Hi, I'm Alexis! I'm fostering a medically need Goffin's.

[ardence]

Hey there! My heart and soul belong to my 3 personal birds, a nearly 18 year old normal male cockatiel named Buddy (who is my boyfriend's childhood pet), an approximately 6 year old female lutino Cockatiel named Savo that I adopted from the humane society that I work at, and a maybe 4 year old Green Cheek Conure named Queequeg (she's a girl!) that I adopted from a petsmart.

I recently began fostering a Goffin's Cockatoo that was surrendered to the human society that I work at; he's a real mess. One of his wings has been partially amputated (and seems to be paralyzed), he has zinc poisoning, and he's plucked most of his feathers. He's currently undergoing chelation therapy (in addition to being given metamucil and peanut butter twice a day), and for a little guy that hardly knows me, he's amazingly affectionate! Particularly given that I'm stabbing him in the keel muscle twice a day.

I have no cockatoo experience, so I'm here in hopes of learning a lot from you guys! It seems that no one has ever taught him to step up, and since he can't fly, that means that I have to towel him every time I need to move him. So I guess I would love advice on how to teach a (very probably) old bird new tricks? Haha.

I'm looking forward to being here, and thanks for being you!

 

[Flboy]

Wow! Welcome!

 

[ardence]

Well thank you! I feel a little "wow" about it myself. But if you met this little dude, you'd do anything you could to help him, too.

 

[Terry57]

First of all, welcome to the forum, and bless you for taking him in. Poor baby sure sounds like he needs some love and attention. I hope the chelation therapy helps.
We have several experienced Too parronts here, and I am sure one will chime in to help you with him. What is his name?
I'd love to see pictures of your feathered family!

 

[CherylCali]

Hi! Welcome, poor bird, bless you for taking him and goi g above and beyond. I pray he responds well to therapy. Breaks my heart...please keep updating.

CherylCali

 

[ardence]

First of all, welcome to the forum, and bless you for taking him in. Poor baby sure sounds like he needs some love and attention. I hope the chelation therapy helps.
We have several experienced Too parronts here, and I am sure one will chime in to help you with him. What is his name?
I'd love to see pictures of your feathered family!

He doesn't have a name right now. He was surrendered after the hoarder that had him passed away, and the family didn't know anything about any of the birds they brought us. Not even their species! He was amongst a lovebird, two ringneck doves, a diamond dove and a number of budgies.

We are playing around with either "Rook", or "Shrug" for his name, because of this adorable little "Meh" sound that he makes. I will try and attach pictures, I cannot speak to how successful it will be!

 

[wrench13]

Salty and I say Blessings on you. And to who ever is footing the bill for the therapy. I wouldn't try training until that's over with.

 

[ardence]

Salty and I say Blessings on you. And to who ever is footing the bill for the therapy. I wouldn't try training until that's over with.

Thank you! Happily, the shelter is footing the bill for his medical needs. We go back for a new set of radiographs on Thursday to see how is kidneys are doing with the chelation. If there is improvement, we may move to an oral version (which I would love to do, really). I'm hoping things look better, because our local avian hospitals are not equipped to handle the sort of surgery he would need to deal with this. I just want to give him the best shot that I can, within the means available to us.

 

[Scott]

Welcome Alexis, you are my hero for fostering that cute Goffins!

They are my favorite parrot, so much so I have five. Just love their personalities, mannerisms, and boundless energy. I know that "meh" sound, seems it is a sign of contentment and a quest for attention.

I have no experience with such sad backgrounds, but if you can teach him to "step up" he may feel comfortable enough to cuddle. Might make administering the meds a bit easier. While he cannot fly, Goffins are just as happy walking from cage to cage or even on bird-proofed floors in a safe room. Having the ability to exercise somewhat will help him, particularly (and hopefully) once recovered. One thing about many cockatoos and training is they often respond better to demonstrative verbal praise and stroking their feathers - above the shoulders is preferred.

Please keep us informed of his progress, and post often!!!

 

[LeaKP]

Ohhhhhhhhhh my heart just hurts for this baby. Thanks for all you do! Please keep us posted!

 

[BeatriceC]

I'll leave the advise to the 'Too parronts, but I wanted to say thank you for helping this bird out! I just took in a naked, one-winged macaw a little over a month ago, so I'm a little biased towards the birds that aren't traditionally beautiful.

 

[SirEdwin89]

Way to step up and be a poor birds hero! What you are doing is absolutely fantastic.

 

[Nicky76]

Hi Alexis and well done you for taking on a new baby with problems. You'll soon start to see the difference now he's in a good home [emoji3]


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[ardence]

Thank you so much for the warm welcome everyone! I will definitely keep you all updated.