Goffins, Ducorp, or Bare Eyed?

[teresa567]

Can't decide which to buy. Can anyone tell me the differences between these 'toos?? I have heard the Ducorp and Bare eyeds speak better than the Goffins? Is this true? Does anyone own one of these birds? The personalities I beleive are similar overall...do you find this to be true? Thanks, Teresa

[Franciscus]

Whatever you decide be prepared to provide LOTS of different interaction and a HUGE cage. These cockatoos are extremely energetic and among the most intelligent of the parrot family. Cockatoos are also given up more frequently to rescues than other parrots due to their needy natures. I know someone who has a Goffin's that is really difficult to keep in his cage, he finds ways of breaking out, picking locks, unscrewing things, etc. He then lets her other birds out of their cages and goes into them and wrecks their toys. I know a few peoplew that live or have lived witrh cockatoos who say they should never have been bred to be pets. Do loads of research before you decide a 'too is for you. That being said, they are adorable and I love interacting with them.

[dyeman]

I sold two Goffin's in my shop last year and have kept up with both, one was sold to my Father-In-Law. Both have been the delight of their owners. They are in homes where they are the only bird and get a great deal of attention.

Both are very affectionate and will go to anyone, but my In-Law's bird likes men better than women. Both are young and I have not been around an older Goffin's, so I really don't know if they go through the extreme hormonal trials that some of the larger 'Toos do.

Neither are screamers or very loud, but then again I guess that always depends on what you are used to. I have a B&G that can be very loud at times and other than a M2 named Kramer I once knew, I haven't met a 'Too that rivals him when he wants his presence felt.

Hope this helps, I have not ever been around a Bare Eyed or Ducorps, so I can't comment on them.

Scott

[greyburd]

I, too, have never been around a Bare Eyed or Ducorps. But I did have a Goffin's several years ago. She was the sweetest bird I'd ever seen. She wasn't really too destructive and didn't get too loud. She enjoyed being out of her cage and would come to me when I called her. Her wings were clipped, so she would have to climb down her cage, onto the floor and waddle over to me. She'd throw a hop in there every now and then on her journey. Once she was with me, she would snuggle with me while I watched TV.

I don't have her anymore because I went away to college and (unfortunatley) no one in my family would take care of her. She's in a grey't home now, they love her so much they won't let me have her back. But I'm happy to know she's in such a good home. If I get another 'Too, it'll definitely be a Goffin's. They tend to be a bit more independent than the bigger 'Toos. And not as loud (although they do have their moments).

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I don't own one, but I have a friend who took one in as a re-home. Sammy is a complete NIGHTMARE! She/he lived in a beauty shop for several years in a round cage ( oh the horrors!). Tina took her in because she screamed CONSTANTLY. She's lived there for almost 2 yrs and still goes into screaming fits that will peel paint. She will NOT stay in her cage- if she does, she lets you know that she doesn't like it..hence the screaming fits.

Granted, this is an EXTREME case- but all too's require a big cage with LOTS of wood to chew ( my Kiwi probably goes thru the equivalent of 2 or 3 2 x 4's a week)..They need to be taught to play by themselves and not be allowed to be on you 24/7. My Kiwi is what I would consider to be sexually mature, and although it hasn't been too much of a problem, I've heard males can be scary, and vicious protecting their mates ( YOU)..

Kim Bear is our resident 'too expert- she's a great one to pose questions to.
She has her own website and can also be found on toolady.com