Parrot Living with Other Animals

[ntneal11]

I'm adopting an eleven year old female Goffin Cockatoo and I'm wandering about her interaction with my two calm, considerate dogs and a very passive cat. None have ever had a misfortune or angry reflex when meeting/interacting with other animals.

 

[SailBoat]

I'm adopting an eleven year old female Goffin Cockatoo and I'm wandering about her interaction with my two calm, considerate dogs and a very passive cat. None have ever had a misfortune or angry reflex when meeting/interacting with other animals.

And, why should they, since they have likely only been around like 'animals' with like diets.

Regardless of what the cat and dogs have experienced, the Goffin has likely not grown-up with cats and dogs and will only act based on its hardwired response, to flee!

Keep them separated! Zero interaction! And, with hope, the Goffin will make it to Twelve!

 

[clark_conure]

Yeah, I might trust a dog that has been with the family for 8 years and went thru a human baby being born etc. But your mixing predators with prey. Even if they hit it off at first, all it takes is one wrong move or mistake or animal act of aggression. If you were getting a bald eagle...I'd say game on....but...not a parrot, you're asking for heartbreak.

 

[LordTriggs]

with my experience of my dogs throughout the years I would never trust a dog or cat around a bird. My first dog was a Cairn terrier who lived to 19 (we believe) despite having 3 children raised around him, 8 kittens and another puppy and never even growling at anyone (he would turn around and follow strangers if he decided it was time to go home) and in his final year becoming so fat his stomach dragged on the ground I wouldn't trust him near a parrot, he would have had a hearty meal in seconds, you'd be amazed how fast a dog can move when food is afoot

 

[itzjbean]

I would take every precaution you can. I would keep them all separated and introduce slowly, and NEVER allow unsupervised play.

 

[Notdumasilook]

Reminds me of a friend that had a dog and a cockatiel...that had spent years in the same home. Friend went to the store one day... when he returned feathers were everywhere and no bird. Geeeze be careful.

 

[chris-md]

Reminds me of a friend that had a dog and a cockatiel...that had spent years in the same home. Friend went to the store one day... when he returned feathers were everywhere and no bird. Geeeze be careful.

Same thing happened to me when I was younger. My parents bought me a white budgie to accompany my blue boy, but it was a surprise. They snuck him into the house the day we took off for a weeks vacation.

Except they forgot to shut the poor birds cage door. We got back, and there were some white feathers around my bedroom. Not knowing why I grab my parents. That’s when they fessed up that they got me another bird.

The two cats got him. Only ever saw feathers. Never saw the bird.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums! Congratulations, Goffins are amazing and very complex birds!!

While it is possible to have companion birds and dogs/cats in the same house, absolutely rigid rules and habit patterns are necessary for the benefit of the prey animal - your Goffins.

I lost a Citron cockatoo years ago to an accidental encounter with a dog, and am haunted to this day - and forever. All of my subsequent dogs have been rescues and generally docile breeds. This choice merely reduces the odds of disaster, but I still do not trust and they are in the same room *only* with active adult supervision.

Wing clipping is a hot topic for debate, but my birds remain flighted to give a last-ditch effort at escape should all protections fail.