Major Mitchell’s cockatoos require a lot of socialization and interaction with owners for their emotional health. This is due to their natural tendency of forming a tightly-knit pair and you will be replicating the “flock” experience the cockatoo needs in the wild. On average, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos have a lifespan of 40 and 60 years. They can live up to 75 years in captivity when treated well, especially if they’re hand-fed as babies.