Cockatoo Cages UK: Sizes, Strength & Best Picks
Short answer: cockatoos need strong cages. For large cockatoos such as umbrella, Moluccan and sulphur-crested, look for at least 100 cm of width, 2.5 cm bar spacing and 5 mm wire, with locks a beak can’t open. Smaller cockatoos such as Goffin’s and galahs suit a slightly smaller cage with about 2 cm bars, but they’re still powerful chewers and clever escape artists.
Cockatoos are affectionate, loud and very strong for their size. A cage that’s fine for an African Grey can be taken apart by a determined cockatoo. Below are the cages we sell that are built for that kind of bird, with measurements from each product page.
Why cockatoos need tougher cages
- Beak strength: cockatoos chew, pry and bend. Heavy wire (5 mm on large cages) and solid welds matter.
- Lock-picking: many cockatoos learn to open doors and feeder hatches. Add a clip or padlock to every door.
- Size and crest: a large cockatoo needs room to spread its wings and raise its crest without touching the bars.
- Noise and energy: a bigger cage with plenty to do helps a cockatoo settle when it’s inside.
Cage size by cockatoo species
| Cockatoo | Rough length | Suggested internal width | Bar spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goffin’s, galah (rose-breasted), lesser sulphur-crested | about 30–35 cm | 80 cm or more | about 2 cm |
| Umbrella, sulphur-crested | about 45–50 cm | 100 cm or more | 2.5 cm |
| Moluccan | about 50 cm | 100–120 cm or more | 2.5 cm |
These are starting points, not upper limits. Bigger is always better for a cockatoo. Our bar spacing guide and size guide explain how to check a cage against your own bird.
Our cockatoo cage shortlist
| Cage | Size (W × D × H) | Bar spacing | Wire | Best for | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainforest Castello II | approx. 162 × 81 × 185 cm | not stated | not stated | Large cockatoos; dividable for two birds | £1,001.99 |
| Rainforest Rio Ara | 102 × 76 × 186 cm | 2.5 cm | 5 mm | One umbrella or sulphur-crested | £614.99 |
| Rainforest Parrot Double (Antique) | 100 × 76 × 190 cm | 2.5 cm | 5 mm | One large cockatoo; two 102 cm perches | £649.99 |
| Rainforest Nova 2 Aviary | 206 × 101 × 220 cm | 2.5 cm | 5 mm | Moluccans, pairs, or birds inside for long hours | £1,083.99 |
| Rainforest Santos Play (Stone) | 92 × 71 × 168 cm (inside 89 × 69 × 120 cm) | 2.5 cm | 5 mm | Smaller cockatoos that enjoy a play top | £487.99 |
*Prices and stock checked on our product pages on 26 October 2026. Always check the live product page before ordering. Allow 5–7 working days for delivery.
Rainforest Castello II
The Castello II is described on its product page as built for macaws, cockatoos and other large parrots. At about 162 cm wide, it’s the widest cage in our range (our aviaries aside). Its removable divider lets you house two birds, or separate them during introductions. It also has seed catchers, pull-out trays and castors.
Rainforest Rio Ara
The Rio Ara has the 2.5 cm bars and 5 mm wire a large cockatoo needs, with 102 cm of width (122 cm with seed catchers), a 100 cm perch and four 15 cm bowls. It’s a sensible choice for a single umbrella or sulphur-crested cockatoo.
Rainforest Nova 2 Aviary
For a Moluccan or a pair of large cockatoos, the Nova 2 gives you 205 × 100 × 200 cm inside, or two 102 cm sections with the divider fitted. See our indoor aviaries guide for bigger options.
Rainforest Santos Play
Smaller cockatoos, such as Goffin’s and galahs, are well served by the Santos Play. It’s 89 × 69 × 120 cm inside, with 2.5 cm bars, 5 mm wire, and a play top with two 91 cm perches. Check that your bird can’t fit its head between the bars. If it can, a cage with 2 cm spacing, such as the Toronto II corner cage (2 cm bars, 4 mm wire, £649.99), is a better fit.
Enrichment and chewing
- Chew toys: cockatoos need a steady supply of wood and shreddable toys. Rotate them every week.
- Foraging: hide treats in paper, cardboard and foraging toys so your bird has to work for them.
- Rope: check our bird-safe rope guide and avoid fabric toys. Read about the dangers of cotton and fabric toys.
- Time out: cockatoos need hours of time with you every day. A parrot play stand such as the Java Tree Large (£307.99), which is listed for large cockatoos, gives them a safe place to be with the family.
Cockatoo cage FAQs
What size cage does a cockatoo need?
At least 100 cm wide for large species such as umbrella and Moluccan cockatoos, and around 80 cm or more for smaller ones like Goffin’s and galahs. Bigger is better.
What bar spacing is right for a cockatoo?
About 2.5 cm for large cockatoos and about 2 cm for small ones, with heavy wire. Your bird must never be able to fit its head through the bars.
Can a cockatoo live in a macaw cage?
Often, yes. Large macaw cages have the strength and width a big cockatoo needs. See our large parrot cages guide and macaw cages shortlist.
How do I stop my cockatoo opening the cage?
Fit a stainless clip or small padlock to every door and feeder hatch, and check them every day. Cockatoos learn fast.
See every large cage in our range of parrot cages for sale.