Cockatoos are hard work. Their intensity requires a level of commitment that can be exhausting to even the most experienced caregiver. Anyone who has been around a cockatoo long enough knows that they demand ALL of the attention. Wild cockatoos form strong monogamous bonds and remain side by side with their parters all day long. This natural inclination doesn’t disappear in captivity. They are forced to work with what they have: a human caretaker who has a life outside of the pair bond, who must go to work, care for human partners and children, run errands outside of the house, and so much more. Where does that leave the household cockatoo, who wishes to be alongside his mate and flock at all times? Their need for constant interaction can result in emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviors when those needs aren’t met. Captive cockatoos see some of the highest rates of self mutilation of any other parrot species. Once they go down this path, the self-harming habits are extremely difficult to break. Mango is a sweet natured Moluccan cockatoo who has been at Foster Parrots for almost a year. He is well loved at the sanctuary and was loved in his previous home, but without a physical barrier he will obsessively burrow into his chest and leave a gaping wound. Mango may look like a smartly dressed cockatoo in his colorful vest, but when you know why he wears it, it becomes a sad reminder of the awful price Mango has paid to be someone’s “pet.” Parrots were not meant to live this way.