Cockatoos are among the most emotionally expressive and socially demanding birds in the parrot world. Before buying a cockatoo in the UK, it is essential to understand their intense need for companionship, their lifespan of 40–80 years, and the CITES regulations that govern their import.
Several cockatoo species are available from specialist breeders. The Moluccan (Salmon-crested) Cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) is the most affectionate and the loudest — a bird that bonds ferociously and can scream at extraordinary volume. The Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) is slightly smaller, equally affectionate, and somewhat more manageable for experienced owners. The Goffin's Cockatoo (Cacatua goffiniana) is the most independent of the three, smaller, and better suited to owners who cannot provide constant attention.
All three species are listed on CITES Appendix I or II, meaning their purchase and import requires documentation. Wild-caught birds are illegal; only captive-bred specimens with proper papers may be traded.
Bringing a cockatoo into the UK from the EU (including Spain) requires an Animal Health Certificate and, for Appendix I species, a CITES import permit from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). At Paraíso de Aves, we provide all export documentation from Spain; you apply for the UK import permit, which we assist with throughout the process.
Post-Brexit, the UK is treated as a third country for the purposes of CITES. Import checks occur at Border Control Posts (BCPs) at the point of entry.
Honestly, cockatoos are challenging even for experienced parrot keepers. Their emotional neediness is frequently underestimated: a bored or lonely cockatoo will scream, feather-pluck, or become aggressive. They are best suited to households where at least one person is home most of the day, and where the bird is a central part of family life rather than a background pet.
If you are a first-time parrot owner, consider starting with a species such as a Conure or Caique before progressing to a cockatoo.
Most cockatoo species live 40–60 years in captivity with proper care. Some individuals, particularly Moluccan and Umbrella Cockatoos, have been documented living past 80. This is a multigenerational commitment.
Yes — cockatoos are among the loudest parrots. Moluccan Cockatoos in particular can produce calls exceeding 120 dB. This is something potential owners must factor into their housing situation and relationships with neighbours.
Cockatoos can learn words and short phrases but are not known for large vocabularies. They are far more expressive through body language, crest position, and vocalisations than through speech. Some individuals become excellent talkers; most do not.
This is difficult. Cockatoos need significant daily interaction and do not cope well with long periods alone. If you work full-time, you would need to arrange for someone to spend time with the bird during the day, or consider whether a cockatoo is the right choice at this stage.
Prices depend on species, age, and availability. Contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current pricing on our available birds. All prices include full CITES documentation, health certificate, and ring identification.
Browse our current availability and get in touch for pricing, delivery timelines, and documentation details.