Cockatoo Nesting / Raising of the Young

Cockatoos generally nest in tree cavities of the largest trees, about 16 – 100 ft (~5 to 30 meters) above the ground.

The average clutch size consists of 2 (occasionally 3) eggs which are incubated for about 30 days. The male and the female share the responsibility of incubating the eggs until they hatch. Generally they raise only one of the chicks, which in most cases is the first one that hatches.

However, if that chick is malformed or weak, they will raise the second one.

The young fledge when they are about 3 months old and are fully independent half a month to one month after leaving the nest.

The young reach reproductive maturity when they are 5 to 6 years old.

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