Palm cockatoos Probosciger aterrimus are generally housed in the same fashion as other psittacines in a typical parrot aviary, such as flight or suspended cages. For the physical and mental well being of these birds the cage size should allow adequate flight and recreation. This is a subjective view based on the group's experience, not on any study, and is echoed by the following experts. Animals which are not kept in a well-planned flight often appear bored and listless. One institution has seen an increase in the number of new breeders when their pairs were moved from small cages to the larger size cages mentioned above.
Perches are necessary on both ends of the cage to allow adequate flight.
The perches should be low enough so that the birds' crests do not touch the top of the enclosure, but kept generally to the upper part of the cage. Palm cockatoos seem to spend more time on the higher perches when given a choice. The strutting perch should be located away from human disturbance. A perch situated on end, such as a post, is also enjoyed by these birds. Palm cockatoos have been housed and bred successfully in enclosures with cement and natural substrate and also in suspended cages.