Should I Bring This Cockatoo Into My Life ?

Violet_Diva · Sep 20, 2016

Just spotted an advert for, what I think is, a goffins cockatoo? :white1:

He looks dishevelled :smile014: The advert says hes 21 years old.
He is listed as "unwanted family pet that has become abused by owner so would love a loving home to care and attention".

IF I were to able to get him, (and that's a big if!) what would I be getting myself into? I know very little about cockatoos! What do you guys think? I saw the add and all I could think was - "I want to give you care and attention!"

Please, if anyone could advise me on this potential 'rescue' I'd very much appreciate it!

AmyMyBlueFront · Sep 20, 2016

Violet_Diva said:
Just spotted an advert for, what I think is, a goffins cockatoo?
He looks dishevelled :smile014: The advert says hes 21 years old.
He is listed as "unwanted family pet that has become abused by owner so would love a loving home to care and attention".

IF I were to able to get him, (and that's a big if!) what would I be getting myself into? I know very little about cockatoos! What do you guys think? I saw the add and all I could think was - "I want to give you care and attention!"

Please, if anyone could advise me on this potential 'rescue' I'd very much appreciate it!

omG.. THAT POOR BIRD! :02: hE LOOKS SO so so sad

Here is MY experience with a goffins..

After my TAG passed, I adopted "Jonesy" from a friend. I had ZERO knowledge of 'toos.

He was ratty looking,but within a month or so he grew all his clothes back. He was energetic..he talked some " I'm a GOOOOOOOD Cockatoo Man" < that's what I nic-named him "cockatoo man"> He had a POTTY mouth,worse than any truck driver I know!
He was loveable..always wanted loveys..skritches..he gave endless kisses.
He and Amy became best friends.

THEN IT HAPPENED!!! Out of the blue,he turned Dr Jeckyl?Mr Hyde

He would give loveys one minute,then turn and BITE..as hard as he could! Holding on,drawing BLOOD!

Then the SCREAMING started..non stop..from the moment he awoke,to long after nite nite time.

I had him almost a year. Now I have been owned by fids for 30 years. I am not new to hormones or behavioral problems. I reevaluated ME...what was I doing wrong? I asked countless questions on this excellent forum..I re evaluated on how I was treating Jonesy.. I ended up rehoming him...broke my heart..BUT..that was my experience with 'toos.
There are numerous 'too owners here who can give you much more info than I.
"Scott" has five...yes count 'em...FIVE goffins..He'd be the guy to talk to.

That poor thing needs SOMEONE to help him..makes me wanna cry when I see/read stuff like that.

Jim

Violet_Diva · Sep 20, 2016

Thank-you so much for sharing your experience with me. Even if I was just a stepping stone for this 'too, until I found him a better home with an experienced owner, I think I'd feel better about the whole thing. Now I know he's out there, I just keep wondering if he's feeling alone, if he's just ignored in the corner of a room. Scott probably would be the best person to talk to on this matter. I wonder if he'll see this? Anyhow, Im going to message the person who listed him and take it from there... If I don't manage to get him, I really hope someone else experienced gives him a forever home. Thanks again

Scott · Sep 20, 2016

Violet_Diva said:
... Scott probably would be the best person to talk to on this matter. I wonder if he'll see this? Anyhow, Im going to message the person who listed him and take it from there... If I don't manage to get him, I really hope someone else experienced gives him a forever home. Thanks again

I hope to be able to answer some of your questions! As much as I adore Goffins and cheerfully advocate for them full-throttle, any prospective cockatoo owner must be aware of their needs and personalities. As deeply as you wish to rescue this bird, it is fair to both parties to learn about these sensitive beings and be reasonably assured of success.

The advert: "He looks dishevelled :smile014: The advert says hes 21 years old.
He is listed as "unwanted family pet that has become abused by owner so would love a loving home to care and attention".

Looks like some plucking issues, not uncommon for an unhappy bird. Note the missing feathers just below the ear; that is not plucking. Interestingly, my mama Goffins was attacked by her mate and has the exact area devoid of feathers. Is this a hen, perhaps a former breeder or paired up for a while? More interesting is the advert verbiage. No owner is going to admit to "abuse" so this might be offered by a rescue?

While cockatoos in general require lots of attention and can be extremely neurotic, Goffins are comparatively more independent and mellow. They cannot bite nor scream as deeply or loudly as their larger cousins. Mine have proven very hardy and healthy. Goffins are voracious chewers and literal Houdinis with their cages; you would be amazed with the dexterity of that beak! Talking ability is moderate, nothing like a Grey or Amazon.

I applaud you for wanting to rescue, but please take some time to read about them, and if interested spend some time with this bird to see if there is a connection. Goffins are hands-down my favorite parrot!! Extremely attentive, cuddly, and warmly engaging.

Check out this link from the Cockatoo Forum, lots of great advice and observations: http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/17694-owning-cockatoo.html

Siobhan · Sep 21, 2016

Cockatoos are not for everyone, it's true. And if you rescue this poor baby, you might be in for some really difficult adjustments. As the mommy of a rescued umbrella, with whom we went through mountains and valleys galore, here are the things to consider:
1. Do you live in an apartment or a house? How close and crabby are the neighbors? Because 'toos make serious noise. Deafening, jet-engine noise. Not constantly, as a rule, but they can and they do and it can make your nerves scream, too. An apartment is NO PLACE for a 'too.
2. They can bite really hard, a visit to the emergency room hard.
3. Most parrots will choose a favorite person and that could mean that they just prefer that person, but it can also mean they are actively hostile to all other persons. Are you single or married? Have kids? How old are they? Other birds? Dogs? Cats? Rocky has sometimes lunged at and tried to bite one of our dogs. That dog would not take it kindly if he succeeded. However, they seem to have signed some sort of treaty and that behavior has largely ceased. But we keep an eye on them, just the same.
4. 'Toos require an enormous amount of attention. They are NEEDY. If you have other animals, or hobbies, or a demanding job, you're not going to be able to provide as much as the 'too wants. He might learn to live with that. He might scream like a banshee constantly because he's not getting what he wants.
5. They are seriously destructive. You have to provide an abundance of tough toys for him to destroy, and even then, he might decide the woodwork and furniture are more fun. Hide the TV remote. Say good bye to curtains and mini blinds.

Okay, the good stuff:
They are adorable. They are so affectionate. They want hugs and kisses galore. They're not great talkers, but they're willing to try. They want to converse with you and you probably won't understand a fraction of what they say, but they don't care. Mine will try almost any food at least once, so it's easy to get healthy food into him. Usually. They're funny and want to be silly and play. They want to be with you doing what you're doing no matter what it is. If I want to watch TV, Rocky will sit on my lap and watch TV. If I want to play the guitar, he'll dance.

In short, it's very much like having a small child, a small, demanding, noisy child who can bite hard. Mind you, Rocky is careful to not break the skin and his bites are usually just pinches, but they do hurt. The trick is to pay attention and figure out when he's startled or uneasy or wants to go back to his cage and fix those things before he's forced to bite to get the message across.

LeaKP · Sep 21, 2016

Just a thought...perhaps consider fostering this baby first and work with a rescue somehow? Getting that baby out of the situation it's in would be amazing.

CDavis · Sep 21, 2016

LeaKP said:
Just a thought...perhaps consider fostering this baby first and work with a rescue somehow? Getting that baby out of the situation it's in would be amazing.

This in an excellent idea

Violet_Diva · Sep 21, 2016

Thanks for your reply Scott! I wasn't sure if I should have sent you a message directly or not!?! I'm glad you saw the thread and replied. Im very grateful for your insight as I am aware of your extensive experience with these wonderful birds.

The wording of the advert did seem a little odd to me too. I figured maybe it was a foreigner trying to express 'neglected' using a translator and ended up with 'abused'? It's a private add, I did send a message, but have had no reply as of yet. So It is possible that he may have already gone to a new home already. If he has, I hope it's a good one! I will just have to sit tight and wait to see if I get a reply...

I could see some (what looked like plucking in the photo) but couldn't quite understand the bit near the ear, your suggestion about the feathers maybe being plucked from a bad pairing seems viable. But could the feather loss potentially be from something more sinister and infectious?

It was interesting that you described goffins as "comparatively more independent and mellow" in comparison to other cockatoos. When I was originally looking at parrot species, I was a bit deterred by the seemingly 'overly needy' nature of cockatoos in general, but I failed to research each subspecies independently and thoroughly. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret my decision to get my eclectus at all! She's a super little character and we're doing rather well!

How similar or different would you say the behaviour of eclectus and goffins? And also, out of curiosity, what is the volume level of a goffins like in comparison to an eclectus? (You would definitely be the best person to ask about that!)

Also thanks for the thread link. Even if I can't rehome this guy, I'm glad I found him and that he got me asking questions and learning more. Maybe it's not meant to be. But I will definitely do some more reading and research on the species. Thank-you again for taking the time to reply.

Violet_Diva · Sep 21, 2016

Siobhan said:
Cockatoos are not for everyone, it's true. And if you rescue this poor baby, you might be in for some really difficult adjustments. As the mommy of a rescued umbrella, with whom we went through mountains and valleys galore, here are the things to consider:
1. Do you live in an apartment or a house? How close and crabby are the neighbors? Because 'toos make serious noise. Deafening, jet-engine noise. Not constantly, as a rule, but they can and they do and it can make your nerves scream, too. An apartment is NO PLACE for a 'too.
2. They can bite really hard, a visit to the emergency room hard.
3. Most parrots will choose a favorite person and that could mean that they just prefer that person, but it can also mean they are actively hostile to all other persons. Are you single or married? Have kids? How old are they? Other birds? Dogs? Cats? Rocky has sometimes lunged at and tried to bite one of our dogs. That dog would not take it kindly if he succeeded. However, they seem to have signed some sort of treaty and that behavior has largely ceased. But we keep an eye on them, just the same.
4. 'Toos require an enormous amount of attention. They are NEEDY. If you have other animals, or hobbies, or a demanding job, you're not going to be able to provide as much as the 'too wants. He might learn to live with that. He might scream like a banshee constantly because he's not getting what he wants.
5. They are seriously destructive. You have to provide an abundance of tough toys for him to destroy, and even then, he might decide the woodwork and furniture are more fun. Hide the TV remote. Say good bye to curtains and mini blinds.

Okay, the good stuff:
They are adorable. They are so affectionate. They want hugs and kisses galore. They're not great talkers, but they're willing to try. They want to converse with you and you probably won't understand a fraction of what they say, but they don't care. Mine will try almost any food at least once, so it's easy to get healthy food into him. Usually. They're funny and want to be silly and play. They want to be with you doing what you're doing no matter what it is. If I want to watch TV, Rocky will sit on my lap and watch TV. If I want to play the guitar, he'll dance.

In short, it's very much like having a small child, a small, demanding, noisy child who can bite hard. Mind you, Rocky is careful to not break the skin and his bites are usually just pinches, but they do hurt. The trick is to pay attention and figure out when he's startled or uneasy or wants to go back to his cage and fix those things before he's forced to bite to get the message across.

Hello, thanks for replying to my query. I do appreciate when people share there knowledge and experience and advice.

I'm in a house with a small yard which I'm having a flight aviary assembled on. I've just got pigeons in my temporary aviary at the mo until I complete the sheds renovation into a loft for them. My eclectus can squawk quite loudly, but the neighbours haven't complained yet!

I've received some nasty bites from my eclectus, and I've read that their beaks aren't as hard as other parrot species, so I have a good idea of potentially how painful a bad bite could be. I Googled images of 'bad parrot bite' before getting my Bella! I usually brace myself for worse case scenarios, and that way I'm usually quite mentally prepared for most of what life throws at me!

I have a partner, and cats, pigeons, snails and (of course) Bella the eclectus. We don't have any children, and very few visitors as we are quite private people. Just so you know, the cats are kept in a separate part of the house to the parrot! And I do not have any intention at this point of introducing them.

I do work 5 days a week, but my partner is unable to work, so he stays home all day with all the animals.

If a toys not destroyed - then it hasn't been enjoyed! I have a carpenter friend who can supply me with infinite pine blocks which is handy for making toys.

Your description of their physical nature makes them sound quite lovable and affectionate whilest equally dangerous

Thank-you again for your input.

Violet_Diva · Sep 21, 2016

LeaKP said:
Just a thought...perhaps consider fostering this baby first and work with a rescue somehow? Getting that baby out of the situation it's in would be amazing.

Fostering sounds like a practical way to trial life with a cockatoo while also providing a safe and loving environment, even if it is temporary. It does make me wonder if there's more I could be doing to help unfortunate birds in the local area. In the past, I've usually been the one who wants the unwanted, and seeks the rejected. I guess part of me had always just naively thought that there must be lots of people who are looking out for or taking in parrots as they are such wonderful and beautiful creatures. That's why I've ended up with a tank full of partially trodden on, damaged garden snails, as who else would care for them? I just went through life taking in the 'medical money pit' animals, ''vermin' etc. I don't know of any local people that would take in a wild pigeon other than me. But to me, a life is a life, no matter what form it comes in. I believe that all life should be respected. I feel it is my duty to do what I can do for any and all living things if I am able. I've just got to remember not to spread myself too thin (as it's easily done)! Thank-you again for your suggestion.

Violet_Diva · Sep 21, 2016

CDavis said:
LeaKP said:

Just a thought...perhaps consider fostering this baby first and work with a rescue somehow? Getting that baby out of the situation it's in would be amazing.

Click to expand...

This in an excellent idea

I agree. I'm definitely going to look into rescues and fostering in the local area. It's not something I've ever looked at, but I think it would definitely be worth while, I'm interested to know what options are available to me locally. I will post some info on what I find!

Scott · Sep 21, 2016

Violet_Diva said:
Thanks for your reply Scott! I wasn't sure if I should have sent you a message directly or not!?! I'm glad you saw the thread and replied. Im very grateful for your insight as I am aware of your extensive experience with these wonderful birds.

The wording of the advert did seem a little odd to me too. I figured maybe it was a foreigner trying to express 'neglected' using a translator and ended up with 'abused'? It's a private add, I did send a message, but have had no reply as of yet. So It is possible that he may have already gone to a new home already. If he has, I hope it's a good one! I will just have to sit tight and wait to see if I get a reply...

I could see some (what looked like plucking in the photo) but couldn't quite understand the bit near the ear, your suggestion about the feathers maybe being plucked from a bad pairing seems viable. But could the feather loss potentially be from something more sinister and infectious?

It was interesting that you described goffins as "comparatively more independent and mellow" in comparison to other cockatoos. When I was originally looking at parrot species, I was a bit deterred by the seemingly 'overly needy' nature of cockatoos in general, but I failed to research each subspecies independently and thoroughly. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret my decision to get my eclectus at all! She's a super little character and we're doing rather well!

How similar or different would you say the behaviour of eclectus and goffins? And also, out of curiosity, what is the volume level of a goffins like in comparison to an eclectus? (You would definitely be the best person to ask about that!)

Also thanks for the thread link. Even if I can't rehome this guy, I'm glad I found him and that he got me asking questions and learning more. Maybe it's not meant to be. But I will definitely do some more reading and research on the species. Thank-you again for taking the time to reply.

You are always welcome to send a message or post a thread, though the latter makes it public and potentially of interest to others. While I can't touch every thread in the forum, I dote on the Cockatoo Forum!!

Hopefully you will get a reply from the owner, giving you options. Let us hope the bird found a good home if now unavailable.

Cockatoos in the aggregate are typically loud, boisterous, demanding, and frequent mutilators. My experience has proven Goffins to generally have fewer of these attributes than Moluccans or Citrons. They can be quite independent if properly socialized and given a healthy diet plus plenty of chew-toys. Time outside an oversized cage is much appreciated, and mine have rarely abused the privilege. Goffins are very cuddly and emotionally capable of forging friendships with family members and friends.

My mama Goffin "Peanut" suffered two nasty attacks from her prior mate, Popcorn. The second and final damaged her feathers in the area of both ears. They are permanently separated, and she has tamed wonderfully. If you have the chance to examine the advertised Goffin, you may or may not be able to determine the reason for feather aberrations. If chosen, a visit to an avian vet + quarantine prior to introducing to your Ekkie is crucial.

Goffins and Ekkies are quite different in many respects. Goffins are generally sociable, mischievous, very cuddly, and high-strung. They are demonstrably louder than Ekkies, less offensive than the larger cockatoos. They can be mechanically destructive by dismantling toys, opening sophisticated cage locks, and destroying a macaw-sized wood chew-toy! One of their most endearing characteristics is making eye-contact as if to telegraph their desire for attention.

You can find a pic of my Ekkie "Angel" and oldest Goffins baby "Gabby" in the upper right corner of my sig-line. They get along most of the time, though he is confounded trying to preen her strand-like feathers on the head!!

AmyMyBlueFront · Sep 22, 2016

Violet Diva..here is a short,amusing story,that I can tell you,about the "goofiness" of a Goffins

One afternoon,my then-girlfriend Arleen called me to the living room.
As I walked to the archway she said "shhhhhh...just look!"
as she pointed to underneath Amys' mansion.

underneath Amys' house I have newspapers to catch any debris she may fling out. As I was looking to see what Arleen was referring to..I could see the newspapers moving! "Something" was under the papers,moving around

As I intently watched..out popped this little crested head with beady little eyes. Just his head was showing! he looked "this way"...then "that way"..and for just a second he looked straight at me and Arleen.

All of a sudden he comes RUNNING and HOPPING like at bat out of heck..running for his own house! He was caught!! and knew it!!

I still chuckle when I think about it...what a clown he was

Jim

Violet_Diva · Sep 28, 2016

Just thought I'd let you know, the owner never got back to me, and the add has been removed. So they either changed their mind or he's already found a new home. I hope he's happy wherever he is and I hope he's being cherished. Thank-you for everyones input. Im definitely more open to Goffins now, and might consider one in future.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be...

Scott · Sep 28, 2016

Violet_Diva said:
Just thought I'd let you know, the owner never got back to me, and the add has been removed. So they either changed their mind or he's already found a new home. I hope he's happy wherever he is and I hope he's being cherished. Thank-you for everyones input. Im definitely more open to Goffins now, and might consider one in future.

I guess it just wasn't meant to be...

You "put it out there" so, perhaps some day!!

I too hope he has a wonderful life!!

Should I Bring This Cockatoo Into My Life ?

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Adopted 15 year old Goffins Cockatoo

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