Citron's

Citron Colony Notes

Overall Mood: The Citron colony is a very active flock. We tried to get them into the photos, but they were too quick! They utilize every square inch of their colony space. We frequently see them flying across the flight to the feeding station. They also, spend a large amount of time on the bottom of the habitat, foraging and playing. Compared to the other Cockatoos, the Citrons are light chewers. We rarely need to add branches to their flight and they are gentle with their toys.

Wild Caught Ratio: 30% Wild Caught, 70% Domestic

Elbow Room: This is another group of sneak snugglers. We can only get glimpse of them snuggling during our midnight rounds. If we make any noise they quickly scatter. During the day, our Citrons separate and maintain a 2 foot radius between birds.

Noise Level: They are very noisy! It is not the same noise that a pet will make when, their trying to get your attention. This is a “happy to be alive, and they want everyone to know….”noise.

Aggression Issues: This colony is lead by a domestic female with, a larger than life personality. She is a character and everyone gives her plenty of room. She does not hurt the other birds, she is just pushy. It is interesting that, this female, who is lightly plucked, comes indoors every year for the winter, yet as soon as it is spring, when she goes back out…...and assumes her place….at the top. No questions asked….they just step aside.

Introduction to the Colony: New birds, both male and female are, accepted without problems. First lesson is to step aside when Cleo, the dominant female comes towards you.

Colony Chuckle: The Citron colony will vocalize in the middle of the night, on occasion. The colony is near my bedroom window. Many nights, in the middle of the night, the Citrons would start vocalizing and I would jump out of bed, grab a flashlight and run outside to check on them. I would get to the colony and they would start laughing…... It took me quite a while before I learned the variances in their vocalizations. Which one, was the…..joke call..and Cleo usually starts it.

I am not the only one that they wake up in the middle of the night. The birds, in the other colonies will start answering the Citrons with …..shut up,... you go night-night,…. bad bird,…. knock it off...with different voices and tones, things they remember from their previous homes.

The crest color shows a yellow cast in some of the our photos but, they are true Citron’s. It must be the camera.