How big a cage for 2 bird to share?

henry0reilly

Member
Mar 2, 2017
95
46
Parrots
YNA (Mad) Max aka Mean Max Green ~2002
Sulfur Crested ‘too Babybird 2015
My girlfriend recently "rescued" a yellow naped amazon and a sulfur crested cockatoo. We have to get them a better home. The cockatoo currently flies but the amazon does not. Since they live 50+ years we want to be sure to get a good cage that's large enough the first time.

I've been pricing cages that are about 3' x 4' x 5' high. Would that be large enough for both of them? In their previous home they were not caged at all but they seem to be adjusting to the miserable small cages we have. We let them loose at least once a day and lure them back with peanuts in their food bowls.

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Kentuckienne

Supporting Vendor
Oct 9, 2016
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Roommates include Gus, Blue and gold macaw rescue and Coco, secondhand amazon
You might not be able to keep them in one cage, especially if they haven't been living together. Did they come from the same home? A general rule is a cage should be at minimum wider than the parrot's wingspan. Two birds, even if they get along, need a much larger cage. It's not just space - parrots can develop aggressions toward one another and can seriously hurt or kill one another if they fight. A larger bird might crunch a smaller bird' beak, a very painful injury, or bite of a toe...I know of a cockatoo in a rescue who decapitated his mate. Also, if they didn't come from the same place and haven't been through vet checkup and quarantine they should be kept as far apart as possible for now in case one or both carry some insidious infection.

Large cages are expensive. We have a couple of King's which are great, powder coated steel no galvanized, heavy bars. I see them all the time in Craigslist around here, and you should be able to find some reasonably priced ones secondhand, clean and fix up as needed.

Thanks for taking these two in, and please keep checking in so we can peek over your shoulder at their new lives!
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,643
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Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
I seem to be following my good friend above regarding your Threads! What she provided is great information! So, I will limit my response to where.

I agree regarding King Cages, if you can clearly go with them.

For a source and to provide you a base understand of a good size cage, Web Search: 'Bird Cages 4 Less'

There are two cages that I have used and like when a used King Cage is not available:

Lani Kai Lodge, PLaytop: 32"W x 22"D x 64" H - Target Cost: $ 350.00

Kauai Kastle Playtop: 36" W x 26" D x 68" H - Target Cost: $ 450.00

The larger the cage the better! BUT: Always remember that from time to time you will want to take them outside! So, always remember to keep the Depth just a bit smaller then the Door Opening!

When out for walks, look for Natural Wood Branches that can be used for Perches! Live Ones, not the dead ones that have fallen. Clean the bark off and wash and dry! See the I Love Amazons - ... for a segment on: Getting to the Foot of the Problem!
 
OP
henry0reilly

henry0reilly

Member
Mar 2, 2017
95
46
Parrots
YNA (Mad) Max aka Mean Max Green ~2002
Sulfur Crested ‘too Babybird 2015
  • Thread Starter
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Did they come from the same home?

Yes, they were both loose along with some cockatiels (I think)

Having been bitten by the parrot, once while offering him food (!) I was in favor of finding him another home and just keeping the cockatoo.

g/f seems to think they're bonded somehow.
 

SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,643
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Western, Michigan
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DYH Amazon
Getting bitten it part of you learning what or how not to do something!

Parrot 101:

Its NEVER the fault of the Parrot! Its ALWAYS the fault of the Human! By taking this vantage point, you can more quickly determine what you are doing wrong and correct it quicker!

Get a chair, set it next to your Parrot's cages and 'READ ALOUD' the Thread in the Amazons Forum near or at the top of the Page that is high lighted in light blue: Understanding Amazon Body Language! Read it several time a day until you understand it like a fist language. Note: You will be reading this Thread often! So, maybe make a copy of it! NOTE: While you are learning Amazons Body Language, your Parrots are getting use to your voice and you being around them.

Now, to develop a depth of knowledge regarding Amazons and Parrots in general read the other highlighted in light blue Thread, titled: I Love Amazons - ... There are numerous Segments in that Thread that will provide you a wealth of knowledge.

If you can develop a trust Bond with Amazon, your Lady might just keep your around! And, that my friend is a Great Thing to Happen to a Guy!
 

goalerjones

Well-known member
Oct 24, 2011
1,390
30
Parrots
Hahn's macaw, RIP George, Jenday Conure
Another thing to consider is dust. Cockatoos are very "dusty" birds and that dander can cause respiratory problems for other birds and even people.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 

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