Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo’s are an unabashedly bold parrot that can bring a wealth of welcomed enrichment for the right individual of the autistic spectrum.
These are the very top of the line when it comes to the cliché regarding loud, brassy parrots with an unapologetically daring temperament. Yet again here-in lies their strength as a vehicle in avian form to coax out of the autistic the willingness to engage and interact.

Since these birds are so intelligent, the commensurate need for applied attention to them must be forthcoming. All children especially will love to talk and teach in a repeated regimen and devotion, various words and phrases they favor. This in itself is strong inducement for those with autism or Aspergers syndrome that as they apply themselves to this fascinating, in-your-face dynamo of a pet that ‘communication’ with this comical ‘loud mouth’ will reap fun and from ones own speech attempts.
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo’s would ideally be suited for those able to steadfastly devote the repeated daily dedication to taking care of the bird and willingness to interact with it – for be certain, these birds will require many chewing toys and plenty of close love and affection.

They become attached to one owner and can be jealous of others claiming attention of the owners away from them. Every child will know that these precious pets are affectionate and fun as they almost demand to be held and talked to and offered various things to chew on. Their ‘calls’ are one of the most raucous and loud of all avian examples on record. Their powerful blackish beaks are used quite normally to cut through branches and so your wood planking and furniture are prey to these beauties if steps are not taken to keep them from indulging their restless urges unto destruction.

All white with a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest jutting back from its head, they also have a splash of yellow on the underside of their wings and tail feathers. When they splay their yellow crests forward, it is a most amazing and eye-catching act. They are a large parrot at around 28 cm and can live as long as 80 years in captivity. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, berries and roots. In the wild they are a hardy and social creature commonly found in flocks drawing attention to themselves by their vocal announcements– you can’t ignore them! May they bless your entire family and certainly will do so as a delightful pet for any of the autistic spectrum.

Good news Sweet is doing well after her operation. She did not need to wear a collar for the first 24 hours as she showed no sign of picking at her wound. Today one of the nurses sprung her picking at the wound so she had to have a collar put on. She does not like wearing a collar so is a little unhappy about it, but hopefully once her wound is healed she can have it removed. Previously when sweet would mutilate under her wing (pick into her skin and draw blood) she would make a noise that sounded like a baby cry. She has now stopped making this noise, which is a good sign.

The nurses have said that Sweet is overall a happier bird, chewing into her branches and perches, making her sweet little happy noises, eating well, saying “Hello Sweet” and interested in everything that is going on. We are very happy with her recovery so far and hoping that she continues to recover well. We have had that many donations that we were able to pay our total vet bill off which was over the thousand dollar mark before Sweets operation. We are thrilled! All continued donations for Sweet will be kept for the ongoing care of her and a few other birds that need ongoing medical treatment at the vets.

Thank you again for everyone’s support. It has been truly heartwarming to see everyone’s concern and generosity.