Cockatoos vs Hedgehogs

Cockatoos and hedgehogs are both unique and charming pets that can bring joy to a household. Cockatoos are social, intelligent birds known for their playful nature and ability to mimic sounds. Hedgehogs, on the other hand, are small, nocturnal mammals with prickly quills and endearing personalities.

General information

Cockatoos
Hedgehogs
Introduction :
Cockatoos are intelligent and social birds that make charming and affectionate pets. Known for their playful personalities and ability to mimic sounds, they can bring joy and entertainment to a household. Cockatoos require plenty of mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive, making them a great choice for households that can provide the time and attention they need. With proper care and training, cockatoos can become beloved members of the family.
Introduction :
Hedgehogs make unique and charming pets for those looking for something a little different. These small, spiky creatures are low-maintenance and can be quite entertaining to watch as they explore their surroundings. Hedgehogs are generally quiet and easy to care for, making them a great option for households looking for a small, independent pet. They can also help control insect populations in the home and provide a fun and interesting addition to the family.
Advantages :
  • Cockatoos are highly intelligent and can be trained easily.
  • They are social birds and enjoy interacting with their owners.
  • Cockatoos have a long lifespan, with some living up to 80 years.
  • They are known for their playful and affectionate personalities.
  • Cockatoos are beautiful birds with striking plumage and crests.
Advantages :
  • Hedgehogs are low maintenance pets, requiring minimal grooming and cleaning.
  • They are quiet animals, making them suitable for apartment living.
  • Hedgehogs are solitary creatures, so they do not require a companion.
  • They have a long lifespan of 4-6 years, providing long-term companionship.
  • Hedgehogs are unique and interesting pets, captivating their owners.
Disadvantages :
  • Cockatoos can be loud and noisy, which may disturb neighbors.
  • They require a lot of attention and social interaction.
  • Cockatoos can be messy and may scatter feathers and food.
  • They have a long lifespan, requiring a long-term commitment.
  • Cockatoos may develop behavioral issues if not properly trained and stimulated.
Disadvantages :
  • Require specific diet and supplements
  • Prone to obesity if not exercised regularly
  • Require large enclosure for proper living space
  • Can be shy and difficult to handle
  • Need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth
Type : Flying.
Cockatoos are flying pets that require a spacious aviary or room to move around. They are social birds that need mental stimulation and interaction with their owners to thrive in a household setting.
Type : Land animals.
Hedgehogs are land pets that require a suitable habitat with space to roam and explore. They are not aquatic or semi-aquatic animals, but rather thrive in a terrestrial environment within a home setting.
🟡 Size : Medium size.
Cockatoos are medium-sized pets, larger than a typical bird like a parakeet but smaller than a dog or cat. They require a decent amount of space and attention due to their size.
🟢 Size : Smaller size.
Hedgehogs are small pets, typically measuring around 5 to 8 inches in length. They are compact in size, making them suitable for indoor habitats and easy to handle.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
Cockatoos are popular pets among bird enthusiasts, but they are not as common as some other household pets. Their unique personalities and striking appearance make them a sought-after companion for those willing to provide proper care and attention.
🟡 Popularity : Average.
Hedgehogs are not as common as traditional pets like dogs or cats, but they have a dedicated following among exotic pet enthusiasts. They are popular among those looking for unique and low-maintenance pets.
Lifespan : 60
Cockatoos typically live up to 60 years in human years, making them a long-lived pet that requires a lifelong commitment from their owners.
Lifespan : 4
Hedgehogs typically live for around 4-7 years in captivity, with some individuals living up to 10 years. Providing proper care and a suitable environment can help hedgehogs reach their maximum lifespan.
🔴 Risk : High.
Owning a Cockatoo can be risky due to their loud vocalizations, potential destructive behavior, and need for constant attention and mental stimulation. They also require a specialized diet and regular veterinary care, leading to high costs.
🟡 Risk : Average.
Owning a hedgehog can be moderately risky due to their specific care requirements, potential for health issues like obesity and dental problems, and the need for a suitable environment. However, with proper research and preparation, these risks can be managed.


Setup and maintenance

Cockatoos
Hedgehogs
🔴 Setup cost : High.
Cockatoos have a high setup cost due to their specialized housing requirements, including large cages or aviaries, perches, toys, and specific dietary needs. Additionally, initial veterinary check-ups and potential training costs can add to the overall expense.
🟡 Setup cost : Average.
The relative setup cost for hedgehogs is average. While they require a specific enclosure with heating and lighting, as well as bedding and food supplies, these initial expenses are moderate compared to other exotic pets.
🟡 Setup difficulty : Average.
Setting up for a Cockatoo requires some effort and knowledge of their specific needs. You will need a spacious cage, proper diet, toys for mental stimulation, and regular social interaction to keep them happy and healthy.
🟡 Setup difficulty : Average.
Setting up for a hedgehog requires some special knowledge and effort. You will need to create a suitable habitat with specific temperature and lighting requirements, as well as provide a balanced diet and regular veterinary care.
🔴 Maintenance cost : High.
Maintaining a Cockatoo can be costly due to their specialized diet, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets. Additionally, they require regular vet check-ups, toys, and a spacious cage for exercise.
🟡 Maintenance cost : Average.
Maintaining a hedgehog can be considered average in cost compared to other pets. Costs include food, bedding, toys, and occasional vet visits. Overall, it is affordable for most pet owners.
🟡 Maintenance difficulty : Average.
Maintaining a Cockatoo can be average in difficulty. They require a lot of attention, mental stimulation, and a proper diet. Regular grooming and social interaction are also important for their well-being.
🟡 Maintenance difficulty : Average.
Maintaining a hedgehog as a pet requires some special knowledge and effort. They need a proper diet, a suitable habitat, and regular handling to keep them healthy and happy. However, with the right care, they can make great pets.
Diet :
Cockatoos enjoy a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and pellets. It is important to provide a variety of foods to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Fresh water should always be available.
Diet :
Hedgehogs enjoy eating a diet of high-quality commercial hedgehog food, insects, fruits, and vegetables. It is important to provide a balanced diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Avoid feeding them dairy, sugary, or salty foods.
🔴 Time : High.
Cockatoos require a high level of time commitment due to their need for daily interaction, mental stimulation, and socialization. They also need regular grooming, feeding, and cleaning of their living space.
🟡 Time : Average.
Hedgehogs require daily feeding, cleaning of their enclosure, and social interaction. Weekly grooming and nail trimming are also necessary. Overall, hedgehogs need a moderate level of time commitment compared to other pets.


Other features

Cockatoos
Hedgehogs
🔴 Children : No.
Cockatoos require experienced handling and can be unpredictable in their behavior, making them unsuitable for young children. Their loud vocalizations and potential for aggression can pose a risk to kids.
🟢 Children : Yes.
Hedgehogs can make good pets for children with proper supervision and guidance. They are generally low-maintenance and can be gentle and affectionate with regular handling and socialization.
🟢 Companionship : Yes.
Cockatoos can make great companions for the right owner. They are social birds that thrive on interaction and can form strong bonds with their human caregivers, providing companionship and entertainment.
🟢 Companionship : Yes.
Hedgehogs can make good companions for individuals looking for a low-maintenance pet. They are quiet, independent, and can form bonds with their owners through gentle handling and interaction.
🟢 Petting : Yes.
Cockatoos can be friendly and enjoy physical interaction with their owners. They may enjoy being petted, cuddled, and played with, but individual preferences can vary. It's important to establish trust and bond with your cockatoo for positive interactions.
🟢 Petting : Yes.
Hedgehogs can be petted and held, but they may not enjoy excessive handling. They have prickly spines that can be sharp, so gentle petting is recommended to avoid injury.
🟢 Training : Yes.
Cockatoos are highly intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks, mimic sounds, and even use a litter box. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training a Cockatoo.
⚪ Training : Unknown.
Hedgehogs are not typically known for being easily trainable pets. They are solitary animals and may not respond well to training techniques that work for more social animals.


When choosing between a cockatoo and a hedgehog as a pet, consider your lifestyle and preferences. Cockatoos require more attention and space, while hedgehogs are low-maintenance but may not be as interactive. Both make wonderful companions, so the decision ultimately comes down to your ability to meet their specific needs and provide a loving home.