My Buddy

I have recently became an owner of a Goffin Cockatoo. He is 5 years old and a rescued bird. He was abused, his previous owner would pock and beat him with sticks. He of course now is scared of any human contact. I' am trying to at least get him to stop running in his cage when he sees me, but I know it's going to take time and patience on my part. He has also been through three foster homes in the past year, but this will be his last stop, this is his forever home. I joined to talk and interact with people who have been working with these birds for years. I ask please do not judge me for taking in a rescue bird as my first cockatoo. I' am looking for help and constructive criticism, I have had to leave other groups because they were constantly attacking me for taking in Buddy. No matter what I would say they would attack me, but I was Buddy"s last resort, he was scheduled to be euthanized...I just couldn't let that happen to him, it's not his fault. I love my Buddy and always will, he is here till death do we part

Dinky318 said:

I' am looking for help and constructive criticism, I have had to leave other groups because they were constantly attacking me for taking in Buddy. No matter what I would say they would attack me, but I was Buddy"s last resort, he was scheduled to be euthanized...I just couldn't let that happen to him, it's not his fault. I love my Buddy and always will, he is here till death do we part

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Why would anyone judge you for rescuing a cockatoo? I personally think what you did was wonderful, and I commend you for taking on an abused cockatoo who was in a rescue. You have a huge heart, and your buddy sounds like he has a wonderful future with you. Good luck to you and your new friend.

Hi Dinky. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!!! for rescuing Buddy and giving him a forever home and your forever love. How long have u been together now?

What is his cage and location like? Could u post some photos of Buddy and cage?
Is it new cage to him or one he has always been in?
How old is Buddy?

I suggest try approaching with your hands behind your back whenever u can and see if he feels less nervous.
Perhaps be near him and still, like sitting in a chair and reading, talking calmly, singing/humming, maybe trying holding a treat that he can take through a corner of the cage quietly.
I know that some kinds of music make Pritti very relaxed, like chanting.

There r folks with oodles of Cockatoo knowledge and experience here that will be supportive. If someone should turn u off, please stick with these forums, because there r so many more here that will be supportive.

Would love to see pics of your new Buddy, and know more about him?

Also, if he hasn't been to vet for recent check-up, it would be good idea.

Kacee

Welcome, and thank you for rescuing Buddy! I am all for rescue first. My Simba is a rescue, and he has a few issues that we're working through. And I'm here to tell you, you came to the right place for help, constructive criticism, advice and LACK of judgement! This is a great community! I'm allowed to brag, because I've only been here a month.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome Buddy is 5 years old, he lives in anextra bedroom in my home, he is very good with my children even though he has never been around kids, his cage is actually two of my chicken coops put together, lol, its huge (4' high, 4' wide, and 2' depth) I have been told in the pass his cage is to big, he has a lot of toys, he loves to chew on pine cones, which I have a lot of outside, I also have 24 pecan trees and he loves to get his pecans and crack them his self. I have brought him to the vet and he was DNA tested so I know for sure he is a male, he has a clean bill of health. I have him on Avicalm and featheriffic, he does not like it at all. He dumps his bowl of food everyday. He has a very bad habit of plucking himself. I do have a cd player in his room and it plays nature sounds, he also has a big window he can get sun light and just look outside. When I first got buddy he didn't seem to mind me taking pictures of him, but here lately he starts shaking when he sees the camera, so I do not bring it in there, don't want him feeling scared of anything. He does take things out my hand, but after he gets it he starts hissing at me, and I know thats a Q for me to move. Again Thank you for the warm welcome, and hopefully one day my Buddy will let me love him like he deserves to be loved.

Congratulations on your Goffin! Goffins can be an emotional bird but can overcome a less than perfect past with patience. Sometimes with birds like this it is best not to press the issue. Just be consistent with your actions around him and let him decide when he's ready to progress. Some do become very nice pets and some do not-but they can be trained to do certain behaviors.