mammals w. parrots.

T

Ted

Member
Hi!
I keep two pet cockatoos (C. alba & C. sanguinea) in a pretty large cage, abot 12 square meters. I'm interested in any experience on keeping parrots with smaller mammals. I havent got any particular species in mind, but squirrels - both mainly terestrial species as different ground squirrels, as well as e.g prevost squirrels, other rodents and lesser marsupials are of interest to me. They would have to be mainly diurnal, not to aggressive nor carnivorous (gambian pouched rats wouldnt work i.e) apart from that I dont see any definite reason not to keep them together as long as there are plenty opportunities for them to get out of reach for one another.

Can you please give me some input?
(Sorry for my sloppy language, I'm from sweden :) )
 
Hi Ted,

I would recomend that you join a forum that is actually based on private keepers, for example: • Index page

Exotic Keepers Forum is a fantastic little forum, with extremely friendly group of members! The Forum has a large general forum and a Rodent section. There is also a Skunk, Hedgehog (And Tenrecs), Mongoose (And Meerkats) and Primate Section! All having plenty of information!

Check it out! To fit your criteria, I would recomend 13 lined ground squirrel, Richardsons ground squirrels, any species of Jird, Spiny Mice, Duprasi or Sugar Gliders??? Although, Im not sure what is available in Sweden!
 
mammals w parrots

I think the risk or aggression [either way] or poor hygiene/disease transmission [either way] is too great. Just don't do it.
 
I'm not going to say don't do it, because it could work out fine. Though you do need to be prepared for the prospect that it doesn't work out, in which case you'll have animals that you need to provide alternative accommodation for quickly. Just keep that in mind.

Definitely not sugar gliders. Keeping diurnal cockatoos with nocturnal gliders is a recipe for constant disturbances between the two groups. Not at all appropriate. Nor would I recommend squirrels, which would share the arboreal space with the cockatoos, or jirds or spiny mice, for whom the size differential with the cockatoos above them would be hugely stressful.

I have no idea what's available in Sweden and what isn't, but I'd be thinking of terrestrial large rodents or small marsupials. Something that isn't predatory, will not climb and is reasonably close to the cockatoos in size. Having only terrestrial mammals will cut down on confrontations with the cockatoos, and also allow you to keep the cockatoos' food and water elevated, to prevent spoiling.

Agouti or mara could work. Potoroos are also a prospect, although I'd be surprised if you could get them over there? One day I hope to keep a couple of small wallabies - parmas or pademelons - in a large flight aviary with Australian parrots, but I wouldn't consider this with less than, say, 100 square metres of space.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to trial the concept with something cheaper and easier to move on to a new home if necessary, such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
 
I agree with CGSwans terrestrial mammals are the best choice .
Id do a trial run with short haired guinea pigs , rabbits freak at things flapping above them.
short hair because long hair would be a nightmare to comb poop out of . Is your aviary planted? because coverage is my main concern. some planted shrubs would protect the mammals from the cockatoos and vice versa. Keep a close eye on your umbrella cockatoo! It is the most likely to turn to plucking if its stressed by other inhabitants!

I really hope it works but it needs alot of work to get right!
I have experience in designing multi species displays with parrots , if your really commited I can help send me a PM

Sam
 
mammals w parrots

Funnily enough, I had thought of guinea pigs; no vices, but the cockatoos still might not like them
 
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