That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds
General
I had my first contact with Goffin’s cockatoos in the mid 1970’s, while working for a bird importer. At that time, they were among the least expensive of the parrots, and for this reason were branded as a poor choice for a pet. Yet even in the importer’s chaotic holding rooms, amid thousands of other birds, I noticed that they stood out somehow – calm and, if given a chance, eager to engage with people.
As it turned out, these Indonesian natives have proven to be among the most gentle, and easily trained of the cockatoos. These qualities, combined with their small size and quiet tendencies (“quiet”, in that they are less likely to let loose with the “ear-bleeding” screams of their larger relatives) render the Goffin’s an ideal “first cockatoo”.
Enclosure and Physical Environment
Cockatoos are among the most active of the parrots, expressing themselves more with body and beak than with sound, and the Goffin’s is no exception. Your Goffin’s cockatoo will require a larger cage than other birds of a similar size.
The smallest cage I would recommend is the A&E Bird Dometop Cage (36″ x 28″ x 65″), but a macaw-sized model (i.e. A&E Bird Stainless Steel Bird Cage) is preferable. When choosing your pet’s cage, bear in mind that it will likely spend most of its time therein – more so than other parrots, cockatoos are liable to get into trouble if left out unsupervised. They are just too inquisitive and athletic to be given the run of a room unless carefully watched.
Your Goffin’s cage should be outfitted with a wide variety of perches of various materials and thicknesses….rope perches are especially appreciated and will give rise to all sorts of acrobatic performances. Your bird’s feet should extend ¾ of the way around the perch upon which it spends most of its time. Please see my article Choosing the Proper Perch for Pet Parrots, Finches, Canaries and other Birds for more detailed information.
Goffin’s cockatoos must be kept occupied when left alone. Provide your pet with a rotating supply of heavy duty parrot toys, especially models that can be dismantled. I’ve had great feedback on the Fetch It Pets Fill Your Own Piñata – your Goffin’s should have a ball with that one.
I AM THINKING OF GETTING A 7 MONTH GOFFIN SHE IS GREAT, BUT THE PROBLEM IS WE GOT A UNBRELLA COCKATOO 17 JUST GOT HIM.MY 1ST BIRD..AHHH BAD BITTER AND TRYING TO LEARN HOW TO HANDLE HIM HAVE GOTTN HELP THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER , I WANT TO GET THIS GOFFIN IS THIS APROBLEM WITH 2 BIRDS? I REALLY WANT TIS GOFFIN SHE IS SO TAME.. THE UNBRELLA WILL TAKE TIME FOR ME TO LEARN HE IS SMARTER THAN ME AND HAS DOMINATED ME WITHA BITE..OUCH A BAD ONE WELL LIKE A FEW JUST ONE TIME .BUT ALOT.. OF HITS.. A BEHAVIORAL PERSON IS WORKING WITH ME NOW
Hello,
Frank Indiviglio here. Thanks for your interest in our blog and question.
It would not, I believe, be a good idea for you to take on another bird at this time. Even if the Goffin’s is tame and friendly, its presence will almost certainly complicate the training process as regards the umbrella cockatoo. Also, the dynamics between the 2 birds may very well change the personality of the Goffin’s, and then you would have a very difficult situation on your hands.
Umbrella cockatoos have great potential as pets but, as you see, they are quite strong-willed and take a good deal of time and effort to manage. Especially considering that the bird now has the “upper hand” in the relationship, I urge you to put your time and effort into working with that bird, and not consider another anytime soon. You are quite wise to be working with a behaviorist, and I commend your commitment to your pet – many people in your situation simply give up. In time and with continued effort, you should be able to turn the bird around and will hopefully be rewarded with fine, intelligent companion.
Please keep me posted on your progress, and feel free to write in if I can be of any help.
Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.