Cockatoos are intelligent and curious birds that need a lot of space at their disposal. The right cage can significantly improve your cockatoo's life, so choose one that is spacious and safe. Once you have bought the cage, choose the right accessories and keep it clean.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Features
Step 1. Make sure you have a suitable place for the cage
Cockatoos are social birds and need to interact a lot with family members. Find a well-protected place in a room where your family spends a lot of time. If possible, choose a place that is warm, with lots of natural light, away from drafts and heavily trafficked areas. For example, you could place the cage in a well-lit corner of the living room.
- It will be easier to keep the environment clean if the cage is on a parquet, linoleum or tiled floor;
- You can also place the cage on a carpet to protect the floor from food, water, or droppings.
Step 2. Buy a large cage
Cockatoos are not small birds and must be able to flap their wings and move comfortably in the cage. The minimum height of the cage should be 120cm. In addition, its width should measure at least three times the wingspan of your cockatoo, so that the bird can move freely inside.
- Always buy the largest cage possible, based on your budget and where you live.
- The wingspan of cockatoos varies according to the species; in some it is greater than in others. Research the twenty different cockatoo species to determine your pet's wingspan.
Step 3. Choose a cage that is wide rather than tall
Vertical or tower-shaped cages are not ideal for cockatoos. These birds, in nature, tend to move horizontally and not vertically. If you can, opt for a wide, deep cage rather than a tall, narrow one.
Step 4. Choose a rectangular cage
The shape of the cage is important. A rectangular cage will give your bird more freedom of movement, while a round one will limit its mobility. So, if possible, buy a rectangular one.
Step 5. Choose stainless steel cages
Steel is the best material for cockatoo cages. Make sure it is made of steel and not other metals. In fact, metals like zinc and lead can be toxic to your cockatoo. Avoid them altogether.
Step 6. Make sure the cage closes tightly
Cockatoos are smart animals, capable of opening the doors of a poorly constructed cage. Buy a cage that closes well. This will ensure that the cockatoo does not come out of the cage, only to be lost or attacked by other pets such as a dog or cat.
If the doors do not lock, you can secure them with a carabiner
Step 7. Choose a cage with horizontal bars
A cockatoo walks more easily on horizontal bars than vertical bars. Keep this in mind when deciding which cage to buy, as this will give the bird more room to climb, walk, and perch.
Step 8. Buy a cage with bars spaced at least 2.5 centimeters apart
The right distance between the bars is essential for the safety of the cockatoo. If the bars are too narrow, in fact, it could get stuck with the beak or with a claw. On the other hand, if they are too wide, the head may get stuck. A distance of about 2.5cm is ideal for cockatoos and other large parrot species.
Part 2 of 3: Setting up the Cage
Step 1. Check that there are no rough edges in the cage
Once you have chosen the one that meets your needs, pass your hand inside it before buying it. Check for sharp edges or rough welds - they can injure your bird and make cleaning more complicated. If you find such imperfections, opt for another cage.
Step 2. Put a bird bath in the cage
You can contribute to your cockatoo's personal hygiene with a bird bath. Try putting a bowl or ceramic plate on the bottom. They should measure approximately 35cm wide. Fill the bathroom with warm water.
Clean the bird bath. If you see food or excrement inside, try cleaning it right away
Step 3. Place one or two perches
The cockatoo will need one or two perches in its cage. Each of them should measure about 2 centimeters in diameter. Place the perches away from feeders and drinkers to avoid contamination.
Step 4. Give the cockatoo some toys
Cockatoos need mental stimulation and toys are perfect for keeping them busy. Try hanging a puzzle-style toy in the cage. You can also make cloth toys available to him, encouraging him to use his beak.
Step 5. Consider using background paper
Some cages are sold with removable engraved paper sheets. This makes cleaning easier, so consider buying a cage that includes bespoke sheets of paper. Alternatively, you can add a container such as a pan, a baking sheet or even old newspapers as a removable bottom.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Cage Clean
Step 1. Clean the background paper every day
For your cockatoo to be happy and healthy, regular cleaning of the cage is essential. Remove the foil from the bottom of the cage every day and dispose of droppings and food. Replace the paper you removed with a clean one.
Step 2. Wash feeders and drinkers daily
Feeders and drinking bottles get dirty easily. It is important to keep them as clean as possible. Take them out of the cage every day. Wash them in hot soapy water, dry them and put them back inside.
Step 3. Do a deep cleaning of the cage once a week
Every week you will need to do a thorough cleaning of your cockatoo's cage. In addition to replacing the background paper and washing feeders and drinking bottles, you will need to clean the cage itself with hot soapy water. Also, you should clean all toys and perches present and sweep or vacuum around the cage.
