The rose-breasted cockatoo, better known by its Australian Aboriginal name “galah”, is the perfect parrot species for a pet owner who enjoys frequent interaction with a pet parrot. Extremely intelligent and very attached to humans, this pretty pink bird can easily learn to say many words and do complicated tricks with regular practice. This hardy bird can live in some of the most extreme regions of Australia.

• Common names: Cockatoo at rose-breasted, galah, galah cockatoo, pink and gray cockatoo, crimson breasted cockatoo, rose-breasted cockatoo.
• galah Name scientist: Eolophus roseicapillus with three subspecies showing slight variations in color and size from different parts of Australia: Eolophus roseicapillus albicepts (southeast), E. r. roseicapilla (west), and E. r. khuli (north)
• adult size: weighing 10 to 14 ounces, 12 to 15 inches in length.

Cockatoo natural habitat

The galah Cockatoo is native to Australia, where it is found in open grasslands and across much of the country. He settled in Tasmania. Galah’s cockatoos move in large flocks, often in groups that also include sulfur-crested cockatoos. They mate with other cockatoo species.

Galas are a familiar sight in urban areas. These birds tend to be more numerous in populated areas as they feed on crops and use man-made ponds and watering holes for livestock. Many farmers consider these birds to be pests.

The name ‘galah’ means ‘crazy’ or ‘clown’ in the indigenous Australian language Yuwaalaraay. This highly intelligent bird has been given the name of being a noise nuisance. The term “galah” is a slang and pejorative word in Australia which means “strong-mouthed idiot”.

Galah cockatoo personality

Affectionate and friendly, the rose-breasted cockatoo has a reputation for being an affectionate pet. Unlike the umbrella cockatoo, these birds are not very good at cuddling. But they are used to manipulate.

If you want to own a galah, make sure you have enough free time to spend with your pet. It is a sensitive bird, which requires a lot of attention and interaction from its owners. As a group-dwelling bird by nature, if ignored by its adopted companion, the Rose-breasted Cockatoo can become depressed, angry, and destructive.

Galah cockatoo sounds  

Wild galas make loud, high-pitched sounds when flying in flocks. They can emit a resonant cry when frightened, excited, or when attracting attention. This clever bird can imitate people’s voices and repetitive sounds like train whistles, car horns, or phone rings. Some say males are more prolific than females.

In comparison, the Galah Cockatoo is not particularly loud for a cockatoo, which is among the loudest parrots. However, this bird is not recommended for apartment or condominium living. It usually has two noisy periods, one when waking up with the sun and the other at dusk.

Galah cockatoo talking

SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet

Galah cockatoo colors

Their bright colors and friendly personalities have made Galah’s cockatoos an increasingly popular pet. As its name suggests, the rose-breasted cockatoo has bright pink feathers on its chest, belly, and lower half of its face. Its crest is pinkish-white, its back gray, its wings, and tail are gray, its feet are gray, and its beak is horn-colored. Like all cockatoos, the galah has a cranial crest that fans out when the bird is frightened or excited.

The easiest way to attempt to determine a galah’s gender is to look at its eyes. Males have a darker, almost brown iris (area of ​​the eye that surrounds the pupil), while females have a lighter pink iris. Anecdotally, males can talk more, and females tend to sit on a perch with their legs further apart.

Rose-breasted cockatoo care

Galah Cockatoos are active birds, and they need plenty of exercises to maintain their physical health. Plan on giving this bird at least three to four hours of active time outside of the cage each day.

Cockatoos have strong beaks and jaws, so it is essential to provide them with plenty of safe wooden or leather toys that allow them to exercise their jaw muscles and satisfy their natural chewing instincts.

Toys are an important part of these parrots.  Change toys regularly to maintain the birds’ interest and to encourage independent play.

Your bird will want to spend a lot of time with you and will be a high-maintenance pet. If you lack time for interaction, this bird may be happier with another galah.

These parrots need deep sleep in a dark, quiet place that mimics the safety of the perching areas they prefer when living in the wild. Covering the aviary at night usually reassures them.

This bird is not a large parrot, but it still needs a lot of space. He needs at least a one-square-meter cage.

Rose breasted cockatoo health

Galahs seem to be less prone to avian disease than other cockatoos. However, like cockatoos and other parrots, they are prone to nutritional disorders. Some of the more common conditions include fatty liver disease, lipomas (fatty tumors), psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), feather pecking, and other forms of self-harm (if occurring feel neglected).

By far the most common problem with Galah’s cockatoos is obesity. This is almost always caused by a lack of activity, combined with a diet that is too high in calories. With enough exercise and a balanced diet, your galah should maintain a healthy weight.

Rose breasted cockatoo diet

In the wild, galahs feed on grasses, leaf buds, flowers, seeds, and occasionally insects for extra protein.

When kept as pets, galahs should have a balanced diet. High-quality formulated pellets have been developed to meet all of your bird’s nutritional needs. At least 50% of your bird’s diet should be in pellet form. The other half of their diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. Start by giving him 1/4 cup of pellets and 1/4 cup of fresh salad each day. Gradually increase as needed.

Fresh vegetables include green leafy vegetables like Swiss chard, collard greens, Chinese cabbage and romaine, root vegetables, peppers, zucchini, green beans, and sprouts. They like most fruits and berries. Give walnuts, almonds, and pecans in moderation as workout treats. Fresh water must be available at all times.

Galah cockatoo pet

SOURCE: African Grey Parrot Pet

Galah cockatoo lifespan

Galah cockatoo Can live up to 70 years in captivity; most often he lives about 40 years

Galah cockatoo price

Get to know someone who has experience keeping these parrots before deciding if they are right for you. Also, be aware that the Galah cockatoo cost from $700 to $3,000.

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