Bird won't enter new cage

[Dennishelper]

Hello,

I am hoping for some fresh advice on what to expect from my Goffin Cockatoo. Dennis was my brother's bird, but my brother passed away, and now Dennis is mine. I have had him for two years. And finally, I have managed to get him a humongous corner cage, which I think he'll be very happy living in. There it sits, all set up and no bird in it.

Dennis is approximately 17 years old, and he was raised by my brother since he was a little shaver. My brother didn't acquaint me with Dennis, but we are getting along now, except for the fact that I am afraid of his beak and sorry to say, I don't handle him. I just happen to know that he nipped my brother and chewed his clothes, and I just can't afford to be bitten even slightly. Dennis is not a menace, he comes off as a really sweet bird, but I am sure he knows that I am nervous around him if I have to put my hands in his cage to get something or to feed him. He has never lunged at me or bitten me in any way. He takes treats from my fingers very gently.

I read up on handling the transfer of Dennis to his new cage, and I have put his old cage next to his new cage, with the doors lined up and open. He can enter the new cage at any time. I put a food bowl in the new cage in front of the door. Of course, he hasn't budged, and didn't eat today. Interestingly enough, when he perches for sleep, he faces the same way he always did on the perch. He seems to eye the doorway, but apparently has no plans to vacate the old cage for the new one.

My questions: How long should I wait before I towel this bird, something I dread and don't want to do at all? If he were eating, he could stay like this for as long as he wants, but now I have to decide if I can still feed him in the old cage and expect him to move to the new one, because I have a suspicion that Dennis isn't going to budge. I don't want to wait until he weakens before I do something.

My other question is, I have a queen size black sheet that I am planning to use for a night drape. Should I start draping the two cages together? Will this help him, or bother him? I plan to start a routine where he gets up and goes to sleep regularly. (He prefers lights out at 8 p.m.)

You know what he did? He had no food in the old bowl, so he lifted his foot and clicked his beak on the inside bottom of the bowl, very plainly telling me to fill his bowl. He must think I am the dumbest creature on earth.

He seems to enjoy millet, so I am planning to hang some strands of that in the doorway, trying to tempt him to perch in the doorway. But, other than that, I just don't know what to do if the current transfer plan fails. I feel that I will have to start feeding him again in his old cage. What can I do?

Thank you for your help. This bird is worth it because, he was my brother's bird, and, he is a talented dancer. He watches TV with me, and he has that garbled bird talk where it has intonation, like sentences, and he talks to me. I like that.

 

[yeska89]

Hello he sounds like a cool bird but i think you should handle him more.. I think you should try doing the plan you have and if that fails you should put food in both bowls (new and old) because he does needs to eat amd have water. Good luck and keep me updated on him♡♡

 

[Flboy]

Yes, give him time, but food in both cages! Get him used to being out of his cage. You do not want to force him into the new cage. You said you can't afford to be bitten, medical reason? Or just, oh ouch reason?

 

[Scott]

You are very perceptive and seem to have the foundations established for a close bond with Dennis. The key IMHO is to redefine the relationship as the "alpha parrot" as Dennis is well aware of your handling concerns. Please understand the sweetest and most tame Goffin is quite capable of biting, however most engagements are gentle pinches. I have 3 hand-fed Goffins, now adults, and they are handled A LOT! For you, less frequent handling and learning to "read" Dennis should alleviate the worst of bites.

Choosing a larger cage for Dennis will be beneficial as Goffins enjoy roomy palaces filled with chewable and challenging toys. Have you tried to transfer him with a stick, perch, or your arm covered with a long-sleeve shirt or sweater? If he must make the move unaided, understand he will not likely starve himself unless deathly afraid of the new cage. It is possible he is fearful, but Goffins typically adapt readily and it seems some time has passed for him to observe his new home. Try to coerce him with favorite treats; if they are human-grade fruits/veggies eat them yourself directly from a bowl in the new cage. If Dennis has a favorite new or old toy, wait until he is playing and quickly place it in the new cage. Personally, I would choose toweling as a last resort, but at some point this may be necessary.

A note of awareness concerning the night-covering! I nearly lost my second-born Goffin to strangulation! The cage was covered with a sheet, and he drew a portion through the bars, chewed a hole, and managed to insert his head while playing. I happened to walk by, noticed him flailing, and immediately cut him free. Perhaps a freak accident, but all of my birds go to sleep naturally despite some ambient light visible through windows.

I sense you are caring for Dennis for all the right reasons, and hope you form a closer relationship. Goffins are utterly charming, affectionate, playful, intelligent, and my favorite of avian companions!

 

[Dennishelper]

I want to thank you all for your quick replies. I spent the day placing his favorite treats on his cage door. He got them all. Then, I moved his food bowl and placed it on the wire below the door.

I tried to get him to at least consider stepping on a perch in order to move him. Man, is he fast. He crawled around the sides and top of the cage like an olympic athlete. I thought maybe he would accidentally go through the door and we would be spared more drama, but...noooo! And then he came to the side of the cage where I was talking to him, and he kinda..."save me!" So, I gave up.

But, I filled his old water bowl with fresh water, and he watched me. The old bowl is attached to the open door, and now the door is open, so the water bowl is technically inside the new cage. I saw him put his head through the door as he noted where the water is now. I am encouraged.

Also, even after the activity with the perch, he came over to where the old bowl had been, and turned his head to be scratched. My brother had cut a small hole in the wire (this is a homemade cage), and I never knew why it was there, but I use it as a pass through for treats. I put my finger through and he put his head there. So, we had a satisfying moment. He's not going to hold that business over me!

I am in the medical field and can't afford to have my hands scratched up. Also, I am taking medicine that suppresses my immune system, and scratches are a bigger deal to me, as I have to avoid having lesions form near any skin break. I know Dennis has a history of not just nipping, but drawing blood. Not super deep, but enough to take notice, as I used to with my brother. Whether those were also toenail scratches, I don't know. But, my brother told me at least one was a bite.

Also, I AM afraid of being hurt, as deep in my heart I know that if a bite is bad enough, I will fling him off. And that is something that I want to avoid at all costs.

I have this comfy image of him coming out of his cage in the morning and visiting me as I write. Well, apparently this isn't going to happen. I also no longer worry about parrot proof locks, as this boy doesn't want to rumble.

He doesn't seem to play with hanging toys. He had one old toy that he used to balance on the perch with while he used an old feather to scratch himself. He slept near this toy. But, the other toy I gave him wasn't touched except to dunk it in his water bowl. I never saw him "play" with either of them--except for two days ago, when he neatly chomped his favorite toy in half. It was made with a soft clothesline (looks like), and I won't be replacing that, as I saw the difficulty he could get into with that. I'll get him something else.

Thank you for the tip about the cage drape. That's less work for me, and I'm good with it. He'll go with ambient light.

I'll come back and let you know how it's going. We'll see how long it takes for him to move up in the world voluntarily. Turns out I don't have the millet I thought I had, so I'll have to wait to try that. But, that would be another step forward.

Thank you all!

 

[Scott]

I think the situation is very workable, and he will eventually become more curious about the new cage. Goffins are very inquisitive, and the stand-off seems more born of stubbornness than fear!

Have you tried wooden toys? Most Goffins love to chew, and the colorful soft-wood blocks strung on chain are popular. I don't bother with blocks on rope, as they have a habit of chewing the rope way up high and sending the whole appendage to the cage bottom!

You can bet Dennis has visually scrutinized the new cage. When you get some millet, try shoving a few pieces in various places inside the new cage and take notice if he snags them when you aren't looking. He may be curious to inspect it when he knows you aren't looking - for sure he suspects you will close the door once he enters!

 

[Dennishelper]

Update: Dennis has been in the new cage to grab treats. I know he must have perched on the cage door, because I found peanut shells dropped into the seed catcher. He continues to spend his time in the old cage. Next plan: give him a few days of eating, then move the bowl a leeetle further...

I can see where this is going to take time, but at least he is eating. He should be okay. I'll take the old cage away when he spends more time in the larger cage. After 17 years, he's entitled to be attached to what he knows. I'm going to find another hanging toy made with chain, and put it next to what I hope will be his night perch, way in the back. I'm going to handle them all a lot before the toys go in. I really don't think he will use them, but he had a favorite toy, so I'll get him another.

You ever see a bird elongate himself like an elephant trunk to get a treat? He can't do that with the new bowl inside the new cage, but I was stunned to see him do that with treats on the doorsill. There isn't any part of his old cage that he can't reach while sitting on his perch. He also hangs upside down and grabs stuff. I guess birds do that, but I am still impressed. Never gets old.

I'm having fun reading the forums, and learning a lot. Thank you, again! If you guys think of anything else, or recommend anything, feel free to tell me.

 

[Scott]

You and Dennis are making great progress! There may be occasional steps backward, but he seems to trust you. I can see a strong bond developing!!

 

[Hawk]

Hello,

I am hoping for some fresh advice on what to expect from my Goffin Cockatoo. Dennis was my brother's bird, but my brother passed away, and now Dennis is mine. I have had him for two years. And finally, I have managed to get him a humongous corner cage, which I think he'll be very happy living in. There it sits, all set up and no bird in it.

Dennis is approximately 17 years old, and he was raised by my brother since he was a little shaver. My brother didn't acquaint me with Dennis, but we are getting along now, except for the fact that I am afraid of his beak and sorry to say, I don't handle him. I just happen to know that he nipped my brother and chewed his clothes, and I just can't afford to be bitten even slightly. Dennis is not a menace, he comes off as a really sweet bird, but I am sure he knows that I am nervous around him if I have to put my hands in his cage to get something or to feed him. He has never lunged at me or bitten me in any way. He takes treats from my fingers very gently.

I read up on handling the transfer of Dennis to his new cage, and I have put his old cage next to his new cage, with the doors lined up and open. He can enter the new cage at any time. I put a food bowl in the new cage in front of the door. Of course, he hasn't budged, and didn't eat today. Interestingly enough, when he perches for sleep, he faces the same way he always did on the perch. He seems to eye the doorway, but apparently has no plans to vacate the old cage for the new one.

My questions: How long should I wait before I towel this bird, something I dread and don't want to do at all? If he were eating, he could stay like this for as long as he wants, but now I have to decide if I can still feed him in the old cage and expect him to move to the new one, because I have a suspicion that Dennis isn't going to budge. I don't want to wait until he weakens before I do something.

My other question is, I have a queen size black sheet that I am planning to use for a night drape. Should I start draping the two cages together? Will this help him, or bother him? I plan to start a routine where he gets up and goes to sleep regularly. (He prefers lights out at 8 p.m.)

You know what he did? He had no food in the old bowl, so he lifted his foot and clicked his beak on the inside bottom of the bowl, very plainly telling me to fill his bowl. He must think I am the dumbest creature on earth.

He seems to enjoy millet, so I am planning to hang some strands of that in the doorway, trying to tempt him to perch in the doorway. But, other than that, I just don't know what to do if the current transfer plan fails. I feel that I will have to start feeding him again in his old cage. What can I do?

Thank you for your help. This bird is worth it because, he was my brother's bird, and, he is a talented dancer. He watches TV with me, and he has that garbled bird talk where it has intonation, like sentences, and he talks to me. I like that.

I had that problem with my Grey, new cage and he was afraid of it. Sooooo, the monkey see, monkey do always works.

I placed him on a chair next to cage and I climbed a little ways inside, just head and shoulders and began playing with new toys...it wasn't long and he wanted to play too...lo and behold he hopped onto the cage and came right in. Sometimes the flock leader ( you) has to go first to show it's ok and not scary.
Birds are like kids.....have to check for the monster under the bed or in the closet....get my point??

 

[Dennishelper]

Hawk, I get it! Parrots are like....toddlers!

I watched Dennis come inside the new cage, hang onto the bars under the door, and stretch to get his treat. So, I started putting the treats on a new perch, which looks like a branch, and is next to yet more food bowls, and also next to the door. He watched that. He came into the cage and examined every last possible angle to reach the treat without having to put his feet anywhere new. He even looked under the branch and bowl to see if he could get it that way. But, the only way he can is if he takes at least one more sidestep on the front bars, and then stretches his head out there. So far, he hasn't thought of that. (Or, doesn't want to do it.)

I did see him touch the branch with his beak. It's very sturdy, so he should trust it. We are waiting! I have ordered some toys for him. I am now showing him everything, as you suggested. Thank you! I am going to invent a way to show him the side step he needs to do to get the treat.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I adopted Jonesy,my Goffin's a couple months ago from a friend. jonesy is 28 y.o.

He lives in my beloved TAG's old house <Smokey passed on a couple months back>
His food bowl was smallish for a 'Too and he had a nasty habit of digging in the bowl and FLINGING is food EVERYWHERE! He is messier than my Blue Front AND TAG put together.

So I went on line to "Windy City Parrot" a pet place in Chicago and got him this fancy bowl. It is made of sturdy clear acrylic and is closed in on the top and sides..it has a perch inside in the middle,where the bird has to go INSIDE the bowl and perch..this way he can munch away but cannot fling anything anywhere. Makes for very easy clean-up!

Anyway,Jonesy was scared to death of that thing. He would just sit on his far away perch and stare at the bowl.
After about 3 or 4 days, I was getting real nervous wondering if the little guy was eating at all. I could not see any signs of munched on food.
So I grabbed a handful of seed and made sure he was watching where I was putting it. I also threw in a couple of his favorite treats <pistachio's>

A day went by and still no signs of him eating. So I half-way filled his old bowl with grub and mounted it on the other side of his house,just to make sure he was eating SOMETHING. That night I could see that he ate from his old bowl,so I just left it in.

The next morning I heard "noises" coming from the living room and I peeked in. I saw him on the very edge of his new bowl streeeeeecchhhhing his neck to get food < I had put it in the very last "compartment"> So I knew at least he was getting some food so I removed the old bowl.

A few days later I was watching tv while he was on the roof of his digs,and I watched as he went inside to his bowl and walked right in it!! So now he has no problems eating from it,but it took almost two weeks.

The bottom line being: keep dong what you are doing,Dennis will eventually get the idea to check out his new home. And you should try to interact with him more. Yes, I have been bitten by Jonesy,and he drew blood and it hurt like the dickens! But you will simply LOVE Dennis. I have never had a 'Too and I don't know how much my son and I have laughed so hard over his antics!!

Jim

 

[Hawk]

Hawk, I get it! Parrots are like....toddlers!

I watched Dennis come inside the new cage, hang onto the bars under the door, and stretch to get his treat. So, I started putting the treats on a new perch, which looks like a branch, and is next to yet more food bowls, and also next to the door. He watched that. He came into the cage and examined every last possible angle to reach the treat without having to put his feet anywhere new. He even looked under the branch and bowl to see if he could get it that way. But, the only way he can is if he takes at least one more sidestep on the front bars, and then stretches his head out there. So far, he hasn't thought of that. (Or, doesn't want to do it.)

I did see him touch the branch with his beak. It's very sturdy, so he should trust it. We are waiting! I have ordered some toys for him. I am now showing him everything, as you suggested. Thank you! I am going to invent a way to show him the side step he needs to do to get the treat.

Your welcome.....Indeed, Parrots are very much like toddlers, and what toddler has never been scared of something new? He'll get over it, just remember your the leader, you go first, then they always follow.

Same principles apply to everything. My birds wouldn't drink from a glass unless they seen that I did first and that I was enjoying it. Then they all wanted some.

 

[Dennishelper]

Dennis is coming along, but we are not completely there yet. Turns out that the boy has accepted the perch by the door. He gets treats there and then stays on it to munch.

But, the best part is that I found him sitting on a large perch in the back. Then he hopped down and walked on the lower perch. He still has not been on either the far corner platform or the perch right next to it. These have treats on them, waiting.

He chewed the frame of the old door. I found a nice pile of toothpicks there. I should have expected that. That's his job.

He was sitting on the dowel perch in the new cage, and he looked at peace, so I thought, this is it. But, he moved back to his old cage to sleep.

Um, can I just shut the door behind him? What would happen? (I was going to wait until he got on the far perches.) Is it a good idea, or do I need to wait still? I can wait, but I just wanted to make sure he's safe. We had an earthquake here, and I have become concerned about the two cage doors.

His new cage is awesome! It's easily three times as big as the old one.
The old one was decently big, but this one is really big. I know my brother let Dennis out every evening, so the boy had a good life with him. But, I think he is really going to enjoy this new home. He can see into the kitchen in one direction, and the living room in the other, plus the room the cage is in. So, his world view has increased.

Thank you all so much for your help!

 

[Scott]

You can try to shut the door and see his reaction, but perhaps a bit more time would be better. You've earned considerable trust, so let him set the pace as long as feasible!

 

[Dennishelper]

Thank you for your help! He has been on all of the perches, he gets his treats efficiently, and he really seems happy. Such a bird! You should see his face. Of course, he has that dolphinesque birdy look, but I swear, he just looks happy. But, he still hasn't chosen to sleep in the new area. So, we wait.

The bird is smart. He learned that if he drops something, it's gone (through the grate.) Before, he could retrieve it. Now, that won't work. He is saving a feather to scratch with in one of his food bowls. I watched him make the decision to put back a treat in the bowl, rather than drop it. "Nah, I think I'll eat it later." And he walked back and dropped it in his bowl!

I got him some new apple slices to eat. I feel like I am the one playing with the cage, but it's just so darned satisfying! Putting that apple piece in the new bowl was fun for me (yes, I'm a cheap date...) LOL!

 

[Scott]

Great job! Goffins have huge personalities, and your observation of their "dolfinesque" appearance is so true. Just one of many reasons they are so awesome as companions!

 

[Dennishelper]

I'd like to update you on Dennis' progress.

Dennis started staying in his new cage all the time, but at night he would return to the old cage to sleep. I was very patient, but after awhile it became apparent that was the way he was handling it, so one day, after about a week and a half, I quietly moved his old cage and shut the door to the new one. Boy, he noticed that. He didn't panic, however, and within 24 hours he was back to his cheerful self.

I thought Dennis would choose the perches way in the back as his new bedroom, but he prefers one perch at the front, where he can see more stuff. He is still telling me when to go to bed, haha, and that's the arrangement. About 8 pm, I have to go upstairs, otherwise he screams a certain charming scream, until I leave. Oh, well. In the morning, I can hear him telling me he is ready to start the day with FOOD. I know I am doing wrong, but he gets what he wants. I think he is running the house now. If only I could get him to pay the bills.

He has new toys and feeders, some foraging stuff, and he has mastered all of them. This bird doesn't seem to play with toys, but he figures stuff out, and he has things to pick at. I spend a fair amount of time stroking his feet, which he seems to like, and I have attempted to scratch his neck. I am working on that for him, but I am afraid of that. He swings his head around very quickly, not actually biting or anything, but it makes me nervous, and I always stop. Sometimes, you can see him get flirty, and he presents his body to be scratched. But, I haven't been able to go further with him yet. I am not afraid to stick my hands or arms inside his cage. He has never done anything to me. It's all on me. I am working on that. I can see that he is a really nice bird, very calm and cheerful. But, I do expect to be nipped.

I love all the bird talk. Sometimes, I talk to myself, and he joins in with that bird garbled speech, like he understands it all. Then, we have a weird conversation. It's very pleasant.

 

[Scott]

Sounds as if Dennis has settled in very well and respects boundaries. Bear in mind even the most tame of Goffins is capable of "discipline biting" you. But given his time in your home, he is likely just a good natured cockatoo!

 

[Hawk]

I'd like to update you on Dennis' progress.

Dennis started staying in his new cage all the time, but at night he would return to the old cage to sleep. I was very patient, but after awhile it became apparent that was the way he was handling it, so one day, after about a week and a half, I quietly moved his old cage and shut the door to the new one. Boy, he noticed that. He didn't panic, however, and within 24 hours he was back to his cheerful self.

I thought Dennis would choose the perches way in the back as his new bedroom, but he prefers one perch at the front, where he can see more stuff. He is still telling me when to go to bed, haha, and that's the arrangement. About 8 pm, I have to go upstairs, otherwise he screams a certain charming scream, until I leave. Oh, well. In the morning, I can hear him telling me he is ready to start the day with FOOD. I know I am doing wrong, but he gets what he wants. I think he is running the house now. If only I could get him to pay the bills.

He has new toys and feeders, some foraging stuff, and he has mastered all of them. This bird doesn't seem to play with toys, but he figures stuff out, and he has things to pick at. I spend a fair amount of time stroking his feet, which he seems to like, and I have attempted to scratch his neck. I am working on that for him, but I am afraid of that. He swings his head around very quickly, not actually biting or anything, but it makes me nervous, and I always stop. Sometimes, you can see him get flirty, and he presents his body to be scratched. But, I haven't been able to go further with him yet. I am not afraid to stick my hands or arms inside his cage. He has never done anything to me. It's all on me. I am working on that. I can see that he is a really nice bird, very calm and cheerful. But, I do expect to be nipped.

I love all the bird talk. Sometimes, I talk to myself, and he joins in with that bird garbled speech, like he understands it all. Then, we have a weird conversation. It's very pleasant.

That's so cool....

I always have conversations with my birds....after a while they DO begin to understand what your saying and soon you'll understand what they are saying even if it's garbled speech. The bird knowing that you are trying to communicate with it will respond in it's own way. Communication, how ever garbled that it may seem, is a unique bonding tool. Treasure that bird talk time.

My Grey and I have lot's of talks outside in morning while I have my coffee.
I ask..."you having fun?" he bobs head up and down.
"Hey Look "...I'll say when a wild bird lands nearby...he looks, and I'll say "do you see that?" Again bobs head up and down.....Then I'll say " ok say hi to the bird...show it your wings".....and he'll raise his wings up and down Folded to his side, real fast about 3 times. He understands communication.
The more you spend talking to the bird the more they learn.
He also knows "gentle beak" when he gets a little too rough when playing and when I say that, he grabs my finger with his foot, rubs his beak on it real fast a couple times, and stops to look up at me. I have come to learn by his language that this means..."sorry daddy...won't happen again"

 

[Dennishelper]

Sounds as if Dennis has settled in very well and respects boundaries. Bear in mind even the most tame of Goffins is capable of "discipline biting" you. But given his time in your home, he is likely just a good natured cockatoo!

Yes, I have been reading the forum and also "bird body language" articles, and it seems as if it is tough being a bird. I think this is a good bird, but I know for sure that he nipped my brother, someone who was totally his friend and very devoted. Well, at least he never took a finger off or anything. But, I can't tell you how many times I asked about a scratch on his arm or hand, and he'd tell me it was Dennis. They'd had an argument. Now, could have been say, his toenails, but I don't really believe that. This stuff never seemed to bother my brother much, but he was a bird man, and I am not. I asked him several times to leave me care instructions for his beloved, but he did not.

So, my progress in becoming a bird parent is sort of slow. The new cage bumped it up a notch. I really think the boy likes the new cage! He had to learn a lot of new stuff. For instance, he had never had the situation where he could hop from one perch to another, because he only had one perch. This was very interesting, watching him learn to hop. One day, he was on his platform perch at the far side, and I had a treat on the other side of the cage, and he suddenly hopped onto the main dowel perch and ran over to me. That was cool! Well, I guess it sounds silly, but you had to be there, watching this bird hike his way over. He got a lot of praise for that.

Well, the main thing today is, I sort of did something I wish I could take back. I had noticed that he takes his apple slice and tries to scratch himself with it. He had a nifty system where he took one of his large feathers that were molted off or something, and used that to scratch himself. So, I bought him some popsickle sticks to play with and perhaps replace the feather system. He promptly threw them down, all but one. I took the last one and tried to scratch him with it through the bars. Oh, heck no! He looked at me like, what the h are you DOING?? Moved away to another perch with a look of hurt...I stood there saying, I'm sorry! Look! And there I was, scratching my head with a popsickle stick. He watched that for as long as I did it. I left it for him, but we won't be doing that again. Look, some people on this forum are apparently eating bird food, so it seemed fairly reasonable. There is no Instagram available, however.