Newbie with a Goffin

lilidukes

New member
Feb 18, 2018
1
0
I just recently acquired a 16 year old Goffin
named Missy.
We are actually getting along famously to my
surprise. She loves neck rubs over treats.
She allows other people to pet her when we
have visitors.
But like any newbie I have a lot of questions.

Her cage was way too small so I bought a nice
larger used cage which has a play top. I've
pressure washed and cleaned the new cage and
I've had it sitting next to her current one for 5
days now. Missy is terrified of the new one.
If I take her near to it she flies off the opposite
direction. I hate her having to be in such a small
cage when I'm not at home.

I also got her a perch stand and if we go near it
she flies off.

Another question the used toys that were in the
new/used cage is there a safe way to clean them or
is it just best to throw them away??

I got her Harrison's pellets which she took right to,
prefers fresh veggies over cooked, loves rice (cooked).
She cracks an almond in a shell faster than a squirrel.
Not big on any fruits I've tried so far.
Is there a really good thread about Goffin diet I can
reference?

Was told she is terrified of water/baths.

Oh we have an appointment with my exotic vet on
the 13th of March. Want to get a well check done.
Any questions I should ask about?

Don't mind reading and researching if someone would
be so kind as to point me in the right direction.
 

Violet_Diva

Member
Aug 30, 2016
843
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Norfolk (England)
Parrots
Bella (Vosmaeri Eclectus Female) + Dexter (Red Sided Eclectus Male) + Gerry (Vosmaeri Eclectus Male)
Welcome to you and Missy! It's great that you are looking to improve her quality of life. If the small cage is all she's known, it's no surprise she's wary of the new one. Having the new cage close by is a good start.

Does she take treats from your hand? Maybe you could feed her some and then put some in the new cage to see if she could be lured in by something tasty. If she has multiple perches in her old cage maybe you could try moving one to the inside of the new cage door? (With the door open) - she might dare land on the familiar perch on the inside of the door. Then if she dares venture inside, make sure there's a tasty treat waiting for her.

I have eclectus parrots, so hopefully someone with some goffins experience will chime in with some expertise!

Scott has many goffins, so hopefully he maybe able to offer you some good advice.

In the meantime, it might be worth using the 'search' function near the top right. There's loads of stuff to read.
 

PetoftheDay

Member
Dec 27, 2010
967
1
Boston area, MA
Can you leave the cage next to each other with the doors open so she could go from one to the other when you are not home? Her life recently underwent a seismic shot, so more change might be hard for a while. Transitions are always hard, but once she gets truly comfortable, she may get curious, and you could start moving things like treats to the new cage gradually?
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to you and Missy! Goffins are awesome companions, and Missy seems well adjusted considering her newness in your home. They are very tactile and cuddly birds once acclimated.

I've found they are rather bold and inquisitive, particularly if hand-raised. Her reticence to check out the new cage and perch stand may be nothing more than the "honeymoon" factor. A bit of time, patience, and a well placed favorite treat!

Depending on the toy and age, they may be cleaned, but if wood and grungy, best to toss them. (some of the hardware may be salvageable)

The diet thread linked by Shawn (smbrds) gives some guidance, more here:
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html Veggies more than fruits, but apple, pomegranate seeds, melon + seeds, banana, and pear are well liked.

Bathing is essential, but Missy may prefer a large bowl of water where she can voluntarily splash around. A technique to introduce showers is to use a spray bottle with variable adjuster to a fine mist. Aim the spray over her head so it falls like rain.

Always great to have a well-check with a certified avian vet. Many offices offer "exotic" services, but please check for the level of expertise. Not all vets have the specialized knowledge, equipment, and pharmacy to successfully treat parrots.

Does Missy fly? Mine are exceptionally skilled and never fly into walls/mirrors/windows. Very nimble, they can almost hover and turn on a dime like a sportscar!!

We'd love to see pics of Missy! A few of mine are in the sig display below.
 

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