How to Care for a Goffin's Cockatoo

Goffin's cockatoos: they are cute, but.......

They're small by cockatoo standards (half the size of a Moluccan) but big fun. If you get one and you're not properly prepared, they can be big problems.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• large cage
• bird toys
• pellet diet, fruits, vegetables, etc.
• to be prepared to care for a creature with the temperament (and possibly intelligence) of a 5 year old human - for the next several decades.

1. I think I'll look up pet humans on E-How!

   You've done the research and decided that the fun of owning a Goffin's cockatoo outweighs the issues of mess, noise, constant demand for attention and - expense. After shelling out the initial going retail rate for a Goffin's ($1000+) you'll need to purchase the largest cage possible; and plenty of toys or prepare to face the music in the form of such bad habits as feather picking and screaming.

2. A patriotic psittacine.

   Goffin's, and cockatoos in general, are are not among the top talkers of the parrot world, but they charm us with their intelligence, curiousity and comical antics.

3. Think before you buy this bird!

   Mandatory supplies include, as mentioned; as large a cage as practical - and an ample, rotatable supply of toys. Chewable toys, even empty cardboard rolls from paper towels and toilet paper will help alleviate the heart breaking problem of feather picking. Vitamin fortified pellets should be the staple diet, supplemented with fruits and vegetables. When Pippy the Goffin's cockatoo sees anyone eating, she always yells for her cut of pizza, pasta, breads and virtually anything else her human flock eats, including meat and fish.

4. Above all else, don't think you can stash your bird away in a closet like the Monopoly game when you get tired of him/her. Oh; no - cockatoos need their piece of the action - even if it's just sharing the same room you're watching tv or using the computer in - or they'll scream bloody murder. Continue on for cockatoo care tips and warnings!

Tips & Warnings

• The Goffin's cockatoo is native to the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia. The wild population is threatened by deforestation.

• Large mirrors are often a good distraction; and they'll usually take the hint that covering the cage at night means sleepy time.

• Favorite cockatoo treats as recommended by Pippy include uncooked corn on the cob, unsalted sunflower seeds and peanuts.

• Use bird kabob-type accessories to anchor and hang fruits and veggies like apples and corn and cut down on the waste and mess.

• In lieu of a flock, birds crave attention, needing ideally several hours of (supervised) out of cage time, includinge being held, scratched and generally doted over by their companion humans.

• Puzzle type toys are ideal for the curious and industrious Goffin's.

• Bird claws need regular trimmings - or when sitting on your arm, it'll feel like 8 little pinpricks. Many vets recommend wing trimming to avoid escape situations. Trimming, done properly, will not hurt and both flight feathers and claws grow back. Even temporarily deprived of flight, parrots have no problem getting around walking - and climbing with claws and grappling hook beak.

• Veggies and fruits should be ideally be offered daily, but this gets messy - especially in summer, when insects can potentially add to the mix. In addition to regular cage cleanings, be prepared clean the general area daily.

• Virtually the entire parrot family can vocalize loudly and often and unlike a canary's dulcet tones, it ain't pretty.

• Certain foods like chocolate are poisonous to birds and others including cheese and salty foods should be offered in very limited amounts.

• Their curiousity can be their downfall, and a loose cockatoo can potentially earn its (heavenly) wings by chewing wires, paint or wood - or by flying into a window, toilet, pot of boiling water - well, you get the idea; bottom line being un uncaged cockatoo should be supervised at all times.

• Avoid feeding too many seeds as part of your bird's diet. They're great as a treat but would be like a steady diet of Twinkies and Fritos to us.