Goffins cockatoo info

[felisdomesticus]

Hello all.

Our pet rescue acquired a cockatoo--they told me it was a Goffins. Long story short, it is a lost pet and landed on someone's shoulder in the woods last week. They had it scanned for a microchip but it doesn't have one and we haven't found any "lost" ads or postings in the paper or on the net. Someone else was caring for the bird but her St. Bernard really wants to eat it, so they brought it over here.

I've tried searching online for a few hours but can't find much species specific information on cockatoos. They gave me some Kaytee parrot mix which it has been eating and flinging all over the front room. I've offered it apple, strawberry, kiwi, and grapes but it has no interest in fresh foods.

I just cleaned out the cage and spritzed him/her down with a water bottle which it really loved. It doesn't say anything other than "hello" but it likes to dance and pose for you. It LOVES being scratched especially under the wings which is funny to me b/c Scarlett would probably bite my fingers off if I tried that.

I guess I'm just looking for anything specific to cockatoos that I need to do differently for it as opposed to the redhead. Thank you.

[The Outlaw]

I don't know a lot about them other than they are considered little treasures by many folks. They are also considered to be escape artists, which no doubt explains how you got him in the first place. Please continue posting on the internet, in newspapers, at vets and Parrot 911. Someone's heart is breaking for this bird.

As for diet, what you feed Scarlet will do just fine.

[felisdomesticus]

thanks. He/she seems to be fine eating seeds and pellets but must not have been fed any fresh foods. I'll keep trying new things to see if I can get its interest.

[TooLover]

You hit it right on the head - with cockatoos you just keep trying, and keep trying until something tickles their fancy! They are the pickiest eaters around, and one day they may like it, and the next turn their nose up at it!
I do hope his/her family is found; I can't imagine losing one of mine!

[felisdomesticus]

She likes bird bread though she keeps throwing the raisins all around the room. Still no interest in any other foods yet though.

My asthma has been a bit worse over the past week with her here but I've also started school again so I'm running around like a nut all day from room to room. I can't say for sure that it's due to the bird.

Still haven't heard a peep from her owner though. I emailed the bird rescue I adopted Scarlett from to see if they were interested in her but no response. So--she's still hanging out here.

[The Outlaw]

I cannot stay in the same room with any cockatoo or tiel for more than an hour before my asthma kicks in. And, I don't have that problem with any other birds. In fact, I have 10 larger parrots, two of which are greys. For some reason, many of the toos will trigger asthma even with folks that usually do fine with greys. Its a different kind of dust, I guess.

Be very careful if you are having asthmatic problems. Frankly, my gut tells me that you should rehome this bird now. If you get very sick, you could literally have to give up the new bird AND Scarlet. Its very heartbreaking and happens all too frequently. You should probably talk this over with your doctor. It will get worse over time for the dust will continue to hide in your ductwork and other places you don't even see.

[felisdomesticus]

I have no plans to keep this bird. In all honesty, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with the crew I have here in the house now that I'm back at work. I have my 2 cats, 1 foster kitten, 2 foster cats, 1 foster dog that has separation anxiety and who loves to dig out under and/or hop over our 6 foot fence around the back yard, my darling Scarlett girl, and this cockatoo.

I wake up at 5am and spend about an hour washing out bowls, cleaning cages, and feeding all of them. I've cruised into work just as the kids are getting off of the buses b/c I haven't managed to get into a morning groove yet. When I get home from work, I spend at least another hour vaccuuming around the bird cages, mopping the crap off of the floor, and cleaning out litter boxes. Can you tell I'm a little stressed?

As for the asthma, I'm on some pretty good meds--Advair 500/50, Singulair, and the Combivent. I also have a nebulizer here at home though I never need it if I'm taking the Advair regularly. Oh yeah, Zyrtec-D too. I'm highly allergic to cats and dogs. Yes I am officially insane.

anyway that is a long answer to a short suggestion. I'm not going to keep her though I certainly do toy with the idea of another bird at some point in the future.

[The Outlaw]

You sound too much like me . I, too, am allergic to cats and some dogs yet I always seem to have one around here. And, tell me about work. I have 10 birds after all and the only small one is my quaker. I can't imagine how working folks manage larger parrots. Its WHAT I do for a living.

[TooLover]

Nancy - us working folks work to supply for these large birds!
I was diagnosed with asthma last year during Hurricane Ivan - I have it under control, and being the cockatoo lover that I am, I just can't give them up!

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

I can't imagine how working folks manage larger parrots. Its WHAT I do for a living.

Well I usually only have 1 piggy ekkie girl. And I don't begrudge her the time spent cleaning up her disaster area because she brings so much joy and laughter into my life. The cockatoo doesn't make nearly the mess but it is in a very small cage at the moment that is not "cleaning" friendly so it requires some time and management to clean.

Even the cats are great. The litter boxes stink both literally and figuratively but they are a necessary evil. It's more work for me to pick up all of the crap they knock off my shelves and tables than to clean up the poop!