My Cockatoos are acting very grumpy and snippy

by Tammie Antonsen
(Thornton, CO US)

I have two Cockatoos, a female and a male. They both have their own cages. As of late they have been, for lack of a better word, mean. I can reach into their cages and pet them, but if I hold them, separately, they bite and become quite aggressive. My male is 17 years old and my female is 15 years old. I was curious as to whether it was their mating season and that was why they were acting that way or if it is something that I am doing wrong. Can you tell me when their breeding season begins and ends? I live in Denver, Colorado if that helps anything. I am worried about them because they really have never acted this way, especially towards me. Please help me.

Thank You,
Tammie Antonsen