The life span for the palm cockatoo is unknown. Most of the birds listed in the studbook are wild caught birds acquired as adults. There are several birds that are known to be at least 30 years old or more, based on their length of time in captivity.

In some cases, male palm cockatoos may have a larger body size and head structure than hens, but this is not an accurate method of gender determination. In the past, surgical sexing was the most common method for sex determination in monomorphic species. Risks associated with this technique include anesthetic deaths and transmission of disease through use of improperly sterilized equipment. Surgical sexing was also of limited value in very young birds due to immature undifferentiated gonads.

New DNA sexing methods are non-invasive, accurate, quick, and safe. Only a small amount of blood is required and samples may be collected via toe nail clip or venipuncture. Stress to the bird is greatly minimized with this technology. Chicks may be DNA sexed at any age; samples for sexing are taken when the chick is banded

Checke nest boxes every other day if breeding behavior has been observed. If the pair of palm cockatoos is shy or very nervous when approached, the pair is checked weekly. The majority of eggs are discovered in the A.M., but on occasion a female will lay in the afternoon. Facial coloration may be an indicator of when a female has laid.

She may be very pale in color the day she lays; this should not be mistaken for a health problem. Once the egg is discovered in the nest box, it is examined for imperfections. If there are any cracks, the egg is immediately removed and placed in the incubator. Dependable pairs are given the opportunity to incubate the egg for approximately 14 to 20 days.

A cracked egg is sealed with any kind of fingernail polish, because the nail polish provides a better seal for the damaged egg and will dry much quicker than the more commonly used glue.

Eggs in the nest box are candled for signs of fertility after 10 days. Infertile eggs are removed and placed in the incubators for two additional days in case the parents had not been sitting the egg properly.

Prior to the placement of a fertile egg in the incubator, the egg is candled to check its progression, and measurements are taken of the egg's length and breadth. If the egg is pulled soon after it is laid, a fresh egg weight is also recorded prior to placement in the incubator.