| Killer Cockatoo’s |
| This colony houses Umbrella and Moluccan Males that, have killed or seriously injured and attacked other birds. The aggression did not occur at our Sanctuary. Most of these birds killed their mates at breeding facilities. The breeders did not want to risk the life of other females so they donated the birds to live in our killer colony. |
| We will not risk the safety of the other Sanctuary residents by, attempting to introduce these killers into the main colonies. There is a chance that their aggression was a result of the breeding facility environment. They can look sweet [ pictured right] but, one look at a survivor, and you realize that it is not worth taking the risk. When have been told by the breeding community that these killer birds are often re-sold to an unsuspecting breeder or euthanized. |
| We had concerns that a killer colony would not work, it had not been done before. Their habitat is located some distance from the other Cockatoo Colonies, and from their survivor’s! |
| This colony was built with two condos off the back of the main habitat in case we needed to pull a bird out and isolate him, or if a bird was being harassed in the main colony. Upon completion of this structure, we took a deep breath and let the killers loose……..and they all got along! For whatever reason. This colony has been up and running successfully for 4 years now. We rarely see any signs of aggression. When we do, it is a minor problem and they quickly resolve it without interference. Fortunately this colony is successful, because these untamed aggressive wild caught birds previously had limited options. They are accepting of new birds and seem happy together. *The Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary, created an emergency plan should, a large number of birds from an outside source, need emergency housing. This Killer Colony as well as several others, could be utilized in an emergency. All flocks that have a smaller population, could be transferred temporarily, into mini colonies. Allowing their full sized colony to be used for emergency housing of outside birds. Currently, we have the ability to re-assign and make available 6 colonies. We believe that it is imperative, for all Rescue’s and Sanctuaries to make, emergency housing plans. Hopefully, we will never need to use them. Copyright 2007 Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited without written authorization from The Cockatoo Rescue and Sanctuary |
