How Do I get My Ducorps Cockatoo to Eat Better

Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Ducorps cockatoo aka Solomons cockatoo
aka Solomons corella or broad-crested corella

Karen E. writes:

My 12-year-old rescue Ducorps cockatoo who I have had 5 months now, has proved to be a challenge in finding anything he will eat!

I have purchased Harrisons, Tops Higgins safflower gold, InTune, Tropican and Tropimix, freeze-dried fruits and veggies, and dried sprouted mix. I also have dried bananas, strawberries, Greenbeens.

Also, a chop mix that I keep frozen.

As well as fresh veggies and fruits.

Tried it all, costing a fortune but worth it to find something.

He seems to like almonds, cashews, and almond butter.

That’s all! Any suggestions?

Blog : How Do I Get My Budgies to Eat Veggies –

Also, like all Too’s his need for wood is pretty intense.

He has to have it in his food bowl.

I buy pine untreated 2×4 and cut up and sand into blocks.

We encourage wood bird toys at Windy City Parrot

I worry he’s ingesting this wood, is this going to hurt him?

I swear I see him swallow bits🤷‍♀️ he isn’t a plucker and looks healthy and active, and he’s flighted.

I’m against a wall with the food issue.

Dear Karen

You have had the bird for 5 months.

He is alive.

What is it that he is actually eating out of all the food you mention?

All birds are naturally messy and wasteful and they will not eat a large portion of any food.

It is their job to replant the earth, they don’t care that they are in your living room on the carpet.

I recommend simplifying the diet.

Too many choices can result in the birds picking through it all for his very favorite things due to the sheer volume of choices.

Switching to a simple seed mix with no sunflower seeds and additional pellets.

Higgins Safflower Gold Parrot Seed Mix

Higgins Intune Parrot Pellets

We use a simple generic frozen mixed veggie (corn, peas, carrot, lima beans, green beans) and daily give a small bowl with a bit including a little chopped apple.

You can save the almonds and nuts as treats.

Go from there.

I wish you the best,

Catherine