- Aug 21, 2010
- 32,673
- 9,798
- Parrots
- Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /
RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
I've had Peanut and Popcorn, a pair of wild-caught Goffins since 1987. They were owned by the selling family for 12 years, and were represented as adults when first obtained. They are at least mid forties.
We equipped them with a nest box for breeding but were dormant for eight years. Between 1995 and 1998 they had three offspring, now beloved companions in my home. By 2007, male aggression led to Popcorn attacking Peanut, leaving her face scarred with a few missing feathers. They were separated for a year, and cautiously re-introduced. No better luck, and at the first sign of dispute they were granted a divorce!
Peanut: She was placed in a smallish cage for several months and responded well to handling. I had the notion Peanut would do well in the bird-room with two of her offspring, a M2, TAG, and Citron. She was well accepted in that room, where nobody is ever caged. Peanut is especially close to her sons Abby and Squeaky. Gabby, the first-born Goffin, does not get along with anybody but Squeaky and is housed in the family room and sleep cage in my bedroom. For a wild caught hen, she has tamed beautifully, loves to cuddle and stand on my shoulder. Unlike her highly spoiled brats, Peanut has *never* bitten!
Popcorn: Wound up in a large flight cage in the finished garage, adjacent to Alice, my sole surviving Citron. He chose not to fully tame, but allows head scratches and gently accepts food by hand. Popcorn is out of the cage a good part of the day, and generally stays on the roof of his or Alice's cage. I had a hunch he and Alice might be friendly, but the size differential was worrying. Last month I finally turned them loose, and found them to be well suited. A minor dust-up early, but now peaceable. Unfortunately the two roam the garage, likely in search of a suitable nest. Consequently, the together time is restricted to Popcorn's cage. They are separated when nobody is at home or at night, though I am considering housing them together permanently. Just need a bit more time to observe!
I firmly believe cockatoos are best in pairs or flocks. Extremely sociable parrots, a substitute of similar sized species or loving parronts is acceptable.
Both are healthy and robust, each has had a single infectious illness over the years.
Peanut (L) Popcorn (R) in the late 1990s.
Squeaky, Gabby, Abby as young adults. Could not do this today!
Peanut, this year, flanked by Abby and Squeaky
Alice and Popcorn, finally together!
We equipped them with a nest box for breeding but were dormant for eight years. Between 1995 and 1998 they had three offspring, now beloved companions in my home. By 2007, male aggression led to Popcorn attacking Peanut, leaving her face scarred with a few missing feathers. They were separated for a year, and cautiously re-introduced. No better luck, and at the first sign of dispute they were granted a divorce!
Peanut: She was placed in a smallish cage for several months and responded well to handling. I had the notion Peanut would do well in the bird-room with two of her offspring, a M2, TAG, and Citron. She was well accepted in that room, where nobody is ever caged. Peanut is especially close to her sons Abby and Squeaky. Gabby, the first-born Goffin, does not get along with anybody but Squeaky and is housed in the family room and sleep cage in my bedroom. For a wild caught hen, she has tamed beautifully, loves to cuddle and stand on my shoulder. Unlike her highly spoiled brats, Peanut has *never* bitten!
Popcorn: Wound up in a large flight cage in the finished garage, adjacent to Alice, my sole surviving Citron. He chose not to fully tame, but allows head scratches and gently accepts food by hand. Popcorn is out of the cage a good part of the day, and generally stays on the roof of his or Alice's cage. I had a hunch he and Alice might be friendly, but the size differential was worrying. Last month I finally turned them loose, and found them to be well suited. A minor dust-up early, but now peaceable. Unfortunately the two roam the garage, likely in search of a suitable nest. Consequently, the together time is restricted to Popcorn's cage. They are separated when nobody is at home or at night, though I am considering housing them together permanently. Just need a bit more time to observe!
I firmly believe cockatoos are best in pairs or flocks. Extremely sociable parrots, a substitute of similar sized species or loving parronts is acceptable.
Both are healthy and robust, each has had a single infectious illness over the years.
Peanut (L) Popcorn (R) in the late 1990s.
Squeaky, Gabby, Abby as young adults. Could not do this today!
Peanut, this year, flanked by Abby and Squeaky
Alice and Popcorn, finally together!
!
