Cage Size for a Cockatoo

Cockatoos are large birds that need a great deal of cage space to prevent muscle atrophy and stress-related disorders, such as feather-picking and screaming. The minimum inside cage size for a single cockatoo is one and one-half the width of the bird's adult wingspan. Knowing what to look for in a bird cage increases the chance of selecting the right cage, one that can safely accommodate toys, perches and feeding stations.

  1. Cage Size Requirements

    • With a wingspan of 12 inches or more, the minimum cage size for a single cockatoo is 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 3 feet high. However, the larger the cage the better. Because cockatoos are sensitive to stress and considered shy, consider investing in a high-quality cage that provides more than the minimum space. A quality cage that will offer plenty of living space can often equal or exceed the the price of the bird.

    Cage Construction

    • Cage construction is as important as cage sizing. Cockatoos can chew through cages made from wood or plastic in a matter of minutes. Low-quality alloy metal cages can also be clipped with the strong beak of the cockatoo; not to mention that alloys such as zinc, nickel and galvanized steel are fatally toxic to birds. Stainless steel and powder-coated cages provide safe, secure housing that holds up to the wear and tear of larger parrot species.

    Benefits of Aviaries

    • Aviaries are large cages that can hold up to two larger cockatoos and several smaller species of parrots comfortably. The benefits of good-quality aviaries are that they provide enough space to allow for several layers of habitat, different perches of varying sizes and enough room for morning and evening wing stretches. Larger aviaries are better because cockatoos present constant challenges for their owners to prevent behavioral disorders.

    Considerations

    • Potential cockatoo owners should consider selecting a cage and purchasing all of the required items, such as habitat enrichment toys, perches, natural-textured toys and cage cover before bringing home a pet cockatoo. Also consider volunteering at a cockatoo rescue aviary to learn more about the species and the 40-year commitment that comes with them. Having time to develop a good base of knowledge about the cockatoo before obtaining one can result in a loving, lifetime relationship.