A new member to the family

[KikaMoran]

We are parents to twoconure babies but yesterday we just got a goffins cockatoo and her name is Nigel. We are beyond happy and so in love with her. We've only had her since last night now but even though she's being a little shy we can already tell she's a loud and hyper baby but other than that is there any major differences between conures and cockatoos or things to look out for with cockatoos?

 

[Siobhan]

My 'too is an umbrella, but besides the noise -- and she WILL be NOISY, LOL -- the destruction. Make sure she has lots of stuff to destroy and that you put things you don't want destroyed where she can't get at them. I would suggest putting aside clothes that you don't care about and wear those when you're with her, because she WILL chew holes in them. Toos are also really needy and she will demand a ton of attention. It takes some time for you to get to know each other, and don't be in a hurry. Toos are complicated and emotional and you have to build trust at her pace.

 

[Scott]

What a beauty!! Goffins are my favorite parrot!!

The differences between a conure and cockatoo are like that between pretzels and potato chips, ketchup and mustard, a bowl of oatmeal vs Captain Crunch.... you get the picture! Neither one is better, but worlds apart in temperament, physical and psychological needs, etc.

All of that said, many of the "horror stories" associated with cockatoos are absent from Goffins IMO. They tend to be less neurotic and needy though they are loud and mischievous. For a small parrot they excel at chewing and are Houdinis with beak dexterity. Many have outsized clown-like personalities with humorous behaviors such as twirling in a circle, placing objects below their wings, etc.

Here's a helpful link of cockatoo generalities: http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatoos/17694-owning-cockatoo.html

The story of my Goffins family: http://www.parrotforums.com/incredi...ries-bird-lovers/65252-my-goffins-family.html

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

I have nothing to add except OMG OMG OMG
That is a beautiful birdy.

 

[KikaMoran]

Thank you guysso much for the info I'll be doing my research on cockatoos

 

[psychocircus91]

Is Nigel a baby?
I lived with a goffin for several years growing up and recently adopted one into my own home.
As mentioned, they are LOUD. I remember hearing Nikki from the bus stop, 1/3 of a mile away from home (Nikki was in an outside aviary a lot). My new guy is no exception, the screaming can be enough to make you leave the room.

With that being said...
Goffins are absolutely unique birds. They are playful, active, expressive, and extemely intelligent. That intelligence can be used against you, or in your favor, so do a lot of research on cockatoo behavior.

As Scott mentioned, they tend to have less issues than the umbrellas or the moluccans. However, IME (particularly at the bird sanctuary,) they can still be very prone to plucking. While I don't think plucking behavior is always preventable, I think diet, flight, and mind stimulating toys, games, and interaction can minimize it.

Good luck!

 

[KikaMoran]

They told me Nigel was two years old. We went out yesterday to pick her up cage and while we were gone she chewed up the wall so I pulled out my bird toy supplies and she's pretty happy chewing on this star instead

 

[Scott]

They do love to chew and "personalize" their areas. Most newer buildings have lead-free paint, but please verify! Some types of wall construction contain various harmful chemicals.

 

[LordTriggs]

They told me Nigel was two years old. We went out yesterday to pick her up cage and while we were gone she chewed up the wall so I pulled out my bird toy supplies and she's pretty happy chewing on this star instead

haha that look on her face! "and what?"

Toos will be Toos

 

[LeaKP]

She’s stunning! My greys name is Nigel too!

 

[BeatriceC]

Can confirm the loudness of goffins, especially at 6:15AM if I've dared oversleep and haven't gotten breakfast served yet. Mine is currently rearranging his cage. He likes to take down toys and re-hang them in other places (some toys he's more successful with than others, but he at least takes them down and drags them around.)

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I never had a Goffin and Conure,but did have a Goffin and Amazon.
Amy (the Amazon) and Jonesy..(the little beady-eyed monster) became best of friends.
Sadly,I HAD to rehome Jonesy At the time,I had adopted him from a friend,after Smokey passed away. It was kind of an impulse adoption. I didn't research 'too's ( BIG mistake lol)
Anyway..The Cockatoo Man (as he called himself) for the time I could put up with his screaming and drawing BLOOD lol...was a cool dude!

All I can say is...GOOD LUCK!!!



Jim