Question about Goffin Cockatoos

[loyallyroyal]

For some reason Ive always liked those little guys. Everytime I get confident enough to go look at the little guys at mickaboo (I really like their foster with intention to adopt option) and think about it I read some horror site like mytoos that says they are the same as the big guys (umbrellas and mollucans) and I drop it.

Now until recently Ive never met anything besides baby goffins. But the past couple of times Ive been to the bird store lately they have had older goffins there and Ive had the priviledge of talking with their owners. The one I remember specifically was 16, her owner has never had any problems with her and she is sweet as can be, just no heavy cuddling or petting below the head.

So my question is which is it? Are they little mosters waiting to eat you alive like you read online , or just really hyper babies with a beak like a buzzsaw?

[Alan]

I don't think they are monsters. I have 2 G2's. I rehomed them both. If they aren't trained and are allowed to do what they want when they want they can be monsters. I don't even think that U2's are monsters. I have one of those as well. I love my cockatoo's they are my heart. They get such a bad rep when in all reality they aren't that bad. I won't say that when I rehomed my male G2 he was an angel. No he was a beast from hell. But now with structure and training he is a good boy. But he was allowed to do what he wanted when he wanted and was also allowed caffinated coffee.

[loyallyroyal]

But now with structure and training he is a good boy. But he was allowed to do what he wanted when he wanted

What do you mean he would do what he wanted when he wanted? What were some of the things you did to implement structure and training?

How many hours of screaming can you expect from them? Dewey does about an hour in the morning starting about 6 am (great alarm clock) and about 30 minutes in the evening when everyone gets home. I dont think my ears could handle 3-4 hours of full on scream.

Im sorry for all the questions, its just everything I read is contradictory and its a big commitment to get into without feeling 100% sure.

[Alan]

They don't scream all the time. Cyrus will scream here and there. He really gets to going when my U2 starts up. But usually morning and afternoons and nights. that's about it.

he didn't step up, he was out of his cage all the tiem and would scream to get out of it. I had to stop that. No problem with all the questions. I always have them when I am getting a new bird that i don't have.

[Tom Lawless]

I've read a lot of the contradictory information too. I don't mean in anyway to dismiss the opinions of people with real expertise and knowledge of these things but there are two at the bird store I go to (upstate New York) and one is nicer than the next. In fact the one is very busy and doesn't require a huge amount of attention, just things to occupy his time. I could believe that in a non-stimulating environment he could be a problem but I think in a home that engages him and buys him proper toys and such he will be no more of a 'problem' than any other pet. I know there are many on this board who have G2's and love them. I won't be so naive as to say that cockatoos don't have special needs but if it is a bird you love I think there is every reason to believe that you could have a very nice companion and friend in a G2.

I have read one website in particular that was very discouraging with regard to life with a cockatoo. It's worth it to balance out the information on that site with information in books such as Sally Blanchard's "Companion Cockatoos" book. It may be out of print but you can probably find a copy somewhere on the internet (i.e. Buy Companion Cockatoos - Sally Blanchard from Northern Parrots).

I'm not an expert but the Goffins I have seen have been great and if you are drawn to them I hate to see you not consider one. It's smart to know all of the pros and cons and you are smart to research it but the ones I have met have really been nice birds. I think what would be helpful is a making a connection with a good breeder, G2 owner, or a qualified avian vet who you could turn to for guidance if you found yourself up against an issue you weren't sure how to handle but that's true of us with any bird of any breed.

[DeguMom]

Goffins, in general, are the most active cockatoos. They need to be busy constantly, or are apt to get in to trouble. While that is true of all parrots, it is even more true with a goffins cocky. I imagine most people are referring to their energy level when they talk about goffins being difficult. They're certainly not evil birds, but they do need plenty of approved stuff to do, or they'll find their own activities - and I don't think I need to tell you they will not be human approved activities. LOL

Hyper is a good way to describe a goffins. They can be exhausting for someone who isn't patient, or who doesn't have the time/energy to keep them busy with toys, foraging activities, some kind of training, etc. Actually, I would describe goffins as "super hyper", rather than just hyper.

I can refer you to some excellent goffins owners if you'd like to hear some actual first hand experience. All the goffins owners I know have rescued their goffins. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to communicate with other goffins owners. (One of these friends always says he thinks they should give you a bottle of vitamins and a bottle of valium when you take a goffins home. lol)

[Alan]

See I don't think Goffins are much different than any other bird. Maybe I just have good ones? I mean when Rex is playing she can go and go hard if she wants too. I have a flock of 12 with 2 goffins and an Umbrella all are rescued. The only thing Rex does that the other birds don't like is she likes to visit. The other birds don't so much like that. Both of my goffins have a huge cage full of toys to play with. Everything from plastic to shredders. The best toys for Rex is a roll of adding machine tape. A lot of times I believe that people put out there the "bad" stuff about too's to stop people from getting them. ALl of mine are pluckers have been since they came here. Rex plucks when hormones kick in. Cyrus I am not sure cause he came that way. He will stop and then start again. It's probably something that I am never going to stop but that doesn't stop me from trying at all. Too's do need to be entertained but this doesn't have to be by a human. This can be with all kinds of different toys. Don't believe everything that you read in a book. When you read about too's you have to remember that this is written about the too's that the writter watched not all too's. I know none of these writers have been in my house watching my too's. I prefer to get the information from people that own too's or any other bird that I am looking at bringing home. And I talk to numerous people as well. Just like with my greenwings I have talked to 25 or 30 different people. Getting all the good first hand information that I can.

[maggy]

I agree with Tom Lawless, cockies get a bum rap, my corella (a lot like goffins) is no problem, not noisy, not bitey etc., DO get a copy of Sally's book she has lots of experience with cockies. Let your heart decide!

[Jak43]

Er, I don't know where you live Loyallyroyal - but I have a wonderful volunteer opportunity that will let you have hands on experience with a little Goffin Cockatoo who really could use a lot of love and attention. The sweet little girl is a bit cage bound now - has been "on display" in her rusted cage for over 19 years. But she is sweeter than sugar and very loving. A lot of positive changes are happening at this place for the birds and you can be a part of it.

If you are in or within easy reach of New York City - let me know and I will gladly give you details. Then you can decide. In addition to this wonderful little Goffin Cockatoo, there is a Timeh Grey, Congo Grey, Senegal and Cockatiel that all could use a bit more attention, out of cage time and love. This is not a rescue opportunity per se - the birds belong to this space and they like their birds - but they are willing to have volunteers help by allowing bird saavy volunteers (the Avian Squad) take them out of their cages daily and help play with them, give them intellectual stimulation and exercise.

If interested in learning more and are in the New York City area - please contact me via the private email message on the board. If you are not in the area - I would say you should try to contact a local rescue and see if they have any Goffins you could help work with.

[loyallyroyal]

Thanks for the offer for the opportunity! But Im 8 years to late for being in the area.
Otherwise I would love to help you out.