All the aviaries have 300mm by 300mm pits in the centre with 60mm aggie pipe running along at the bottom and then connected into a separate pit, then drained out the storm water outlet. This system completely overcomes water lying on the floor of the aviaries. Both watering and sprinkler systems are provided in all aviaries and the water dishes are 250mm round by 100mm deep and made of smooth porcelain, easily cleaned. The bowls are cleaned out once a week.

FEEDING: Feeding is done at the rear of each aviary in specially designed hoppers and all supplementary feed is done through swivel dishes at the front.

DIET: My birds main diet consists of a small parrot mix with extra sunflower added. This is replaced once a week.

SUPPLEMENTARY DIET: This consists of mixed veggies, mixed beans, sprouted mung beans, corn, apple, pear, orange, chicken bones, chop bones, endive, and spinach. This is fed whenever and not as a routine so they are not dependent on it. It is also fed mixed differently depending on availability. I do not go out of my way to supply gum nut branches etc, but I supplement this with mixed nuts.

NESTING: All my birds including the Gang Gangs have natural logs with inspection doors and these stay in the aviaries all year round. I use 1part potting mix (with peat moss) to 2parts wood shavings for their nesting material. I have found no problems with this mix and is replaced as needed or before the nesting season.

PROBLEMS: In captivity problems do occur with this cockatoo in feather plucking. I am fortunate not to have this problem with either of my pairs luckily they are in perfect feather. There have been lots of theories to this problem whether being stress related, boredom or diet related. My own feelings on this problem is that it is a combination of both stress and dietary, something they can get easily in the wild but is over looked in captivity. Some Gang Gangs adapt to an aviary diet better then others therefore do not stress out and don’t pluck because of it. But it is still only theory, if someone can prove the real reason I do believe they would make a lot of friends and a lot of Aviculturist very happy.

CONCLUSION: (in captivity) I have had Gang Gangs for years and have found them to be a most fascinating little cockatoo. They have a great character and with their very unusual sounds will be part of my collection I hope forever. Although not very common in captivity, (for reasons), I believe they are a bird we must try to breed up so they do not ever become extinct.