EXPERIENCE ROXY'S PET SHOP CARE SHEETS

  Macaws, Umbrella Cockatoos, and other large cockatoos are highly intelligent, social, and long-lived birds. They require significant time, space, and mental stimulation, making them a commitment for experienced bird owners. This guide provides detailed care instructions for these magnificent birds.

Cage / Aviary Size

• Large parrots need spacious cages or aviaries to accommodate their size and activity level.
• Minimum cage dimensions: 48" W x 36" D x 60" H (larger is strongly recommended).
• Aviaries: Outdoor or indoor flight spaces are ideal for large parrots to exercise fully.
   

Bar Spacing

• 1 inch to 2 inches, depending on species, to prevent escape or injury.
   

Location

• Bright room with natural light or outdoor aviary access.
• Avoid drafts, fumes, and kitchens.
• These birds need social interaction but also quiet periods for rest.
   

Perches & Toys

• Large, sturdy wooden perches of various diameters.
• Heavy-duty swings, ropes, chew toys, ladders, and puzzle feeders.
• Provide enrichment to prevent boredom, feather plucking, and behavioral issues.
   

Nesting / Retreat (Optional)

• For breeding, provide appropriately sized wooden nesting boxes.
• Even non-breeding birds benefit from hideaways or perches in quieter areas.
   

 Seed Mix

• Fruity Seeds mix along with other fresh products
   

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

• Leafy greens, vegetables (carrot, broccoli, peas), and fruits (apple, pear, berries, melon).
  
• Avoid avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onions, and other toxic foods.
   

Protein & Supplements

• Egg food or boiled egg during breeding and molting
• Mineral blocks or cuttlebone for calcium and trace minerals.
   

Water

• Fresh, clean water daily; bowls should be cleaned to prevent bacterial growth.
   

Companionship

• Large parrots are extremely social and require daily interaction
• Lack of attention can lead to behavioral issues such as screaming, biting, or feather plucking.
   

Bonding & Training

• Positive reinforcement training is essential.
• Can learn advanced tricks, mimic speech, and solve complex puzzles.
   

Out-of-Cage Time

• Several hours of supervised flight and play daily are essential
• Birds benefit from climbing, chewing, and exploring outside the cage safely.
   

Feather & Bathing

• Provide daily or frequent shallow baths or gentle misting.
• Monitor for feather plucking or over-preening.
   

Nail & Beak Care

• Heavy-duty toys and perches help maintain beak and nail health.
• Regular trims by an avian vet may be needed.
   

Health Monitoring

• Watch for fluffed feathers, lethargy, changes in droppings, or loss of appetite.
• Regular veterinary checkups are strongly recommended due to long lifespan and species-specific health risks.
   

Molting

• Usually occurs annually; diet should be enriched with protein for feather growth.
   

Nesting Setup

• Large wooden nesting boxes suitable for species size.
• Soft bedding such as coconut fiber or shredded paper.
   

Eggs & Chicks

• Provide extra calcium and protein for breeding adults.
• Parents typically feed and care for young; juveniles fledge 8–12 weeks depending on species.
   

Activity Level

• Macaws: Energetic, playful, curious, need plenty of mental stimulation.
• Umbrella Cockatoos: Highly social, affectionate, can be demanding, love climbing and chewing.
• Large Cockatoos (e.g., Moluccan, Sulphur-crested): Playful, affectionate, may be loud; need enrichment and attention.
   

Vocalization

• Loud calls are normal; can mimic speech and environmental sounds.
• Birds may become noisy if bored or lonely.
   

Bonding & Interaction

• Require consistent, daily social interaction and enrichment.
• Intelligent and emotionally sensitive; strong bonds with owners are common.
   

Toxins

• Avoid aerosol sprays, non-stick cookware fumes, scented candles, and toxic plants.
   

Other Pets

• Keep large parrots safe from cats, dogs, and predators.
• Never allow unsupervised interactions outside the cage.
   

Daily

• Replace water, remove uneaten fresh food, spot-clean cage, wipe dishes.
   

Weekly

• Replace cage liner, wash perches and toys, clean cage bars and tray, rotate enrichment items.
   

Monthly

• Deep-clean cage, disinfect, inspect and replace worn perches or toys.
   

Macaws

• Usually monomorphic; DNA testing recommended for accurate sexing.
   

Umbrella & Large Cockatoos

• Sexual dimorphism varies by species; often DNA testing or professional sexing required.
   

Macaws, Umbrella Cockatoos, and other large cockatoos are intelligent, social, and long-lived birds that require time, attention, and commitment. With proper housing, nutrition, daily interaction, mental stimulation, and veterinary care, these birds thrive and form deep, lifelong bonds with their owners. They are rewarding companions for experienced bird enthusiasts.