Advice regarding former breeder.

[Taprock]

Sorry for the length of the post but I thought you needed the background information.
I have not been actively looking for a new bird but I do look through local listings. I live in a rural area so most parrots are 125+ miles away so I am just looking. However I found one that is local. He has a 17-year-old goffin that is a former breeder without his mate, not friendly and doesn't like to be handled or interaction. I thought about it, got more information and then was concerned that he may not fit in well with us. Now I see he has been relisted and at a very low price. I keep thinking about him and worrying that he'll end up in a worse situation. I am back to considering him. I have a few questions for you cockatoo parronts.

In the back of my mind there is the possibility that it may not work out and I may need to find him a home. Is this fair to the bird?

If he came to live with us he would need to be in quarantine which means either the lower level which is French doors and windows very light but very quiet or the upper level which is noisy and busy but little natural light. Which is better?

If he is truly content and happy without interaction I'm OK with that but I don't want to write it off completely just because it may be difficult or take time. Does anyone have experience with birds that were breeders? What should I expect?

I'm sure there are more questions I should be asking so any advice is welcome.

 

[plumsmum2005]

I think it would be wise to go see the bird and see how he feels about you. If he absolutely hates you it will be very hard work. Don't they say let the parrot choose? I hope Scott comes on as he is very experienced with Goffins and indeed has several. Which level? Maybe get a feel for what the parrot seems to like best if that is possible? What we think and what they think can be very different. Will your flock welcome a new member, now or in the course of time? Whatever way you choose to go sending you all the best.

 

[BeatriceC]

I think that visiting the bird would be a good first step.

Additionally, I think a well lit, but quiet place in your house might actually be good for the bird for the transition if he's not used to being around a busy family, so that might actually work in your favor.

 

[SilverSage]

I am not a cockatoo parting but I am a breeder. There have been times when something has happened that has made me decide that a certain bird should not reproduce anymore (problems with offspring or serious illness of parent, lots of things can happen). When this happens I work with the bird so that it can be placed in a pet-only home. Working with a wild bird is HARD BUT REWARDING. I honestly feel that they sometimes make the best companions as they usually have been parent raised and allowed to fully fledge at the right time which lays a much better mental and emotional foundation than most current hand feeding and weaning practices. This means that once tame they are often much more confident, mentally stable, smarter, and they usually know that THEY are a bird and YOU are a person and that the two are not sexually compatible which can prevent a whole host of problems. So even if the bird is wild as can be, if you feel it is right then go for it. As for whether or not the bird stays with you, don't feel guilty if it is not the right fit. Birds listed for extremely low prices are at very high risk; anything you can do to mitigate that risk is in the bird's favor.


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[Scott]

I LOVE Goffins and believe you may have great success with a former breeder!

My family acquired a wild-caught pair of Goffins nearly 30 years ago. They were somewhat friendly but could not be handled. It took another 8 years in 2 different cages with nestboxes before they had their first of 3 offspring. Peanut and Popcorn were terrible parents and suspended feeding after 2 to 3 days. All the babies survived as my mom was able to feed them round the clock and at work.

About 10 years ago the male started a patter of aggression against his mate, and we had to separate them 6 years ago. What to do? The male has been in a large flight cage in my finished garage/aviary and is given free flight throughout the area several hours daily. I can give head scritches and feed by hand, but he will not perch. He observes me cuddling and walking about with his offspring on my shoulder, but seems uninterested in taming further.

The female, Peanut, is a success story! I placed her in my primary birdroom with her 3 adult children, and at the time a Moluccan, Citron, and TAG. She tamed beautifully and will do most everything except for stepping up. I can put her on my chest for cuddling, on the shoulder, and place her feet on my finger for several minutes. She has *never* bitten beyond a mild pinch and is extremely social and a very nimble but careful flyer. Judging by their history, Peanut and Popcorn must be in their mid 40s and are going strong. The only glitch the oldest Goffin offspring (Gabby) does not get along with the rest of his family and is now in a different room. Peanut and her sons Abby and Squeaky have total freedom with the E.T. the TAG and are never caged. Awesome birds!!

Hope this longish narrative helps; you may have to make one or more trips to see if their is a bond with this hapless Goffin. I find them to wonderful companions and less neurotic than many Too species! Please keep us updated whatever you decide!!

 

[Taprock]

Thanks everyone. I tend to think and overthink because I don't like surprises if I can avoid them.
I'm not too worried about our flock. They have no interest in interacting. Our CAG is the one who is out most and who rules the house. He is only out with supervision. Our conure is pretty much cage bound, however in saying that ...last night I covered his cage, came back five minutes later to find him patrolling the couch next to his cage. So, his attitude may be changing.
I have more questions for the owner and will see if he is still available at the end of the week to visit. We have a storm coming in and I wouldn't want to pick up a bird in a storm.

 

[Scott]

Thanks everyone. I tend to think and overthink because I don't like surprises if I can avoid them.
I'm not too worried about our flock. They have no interest in interacting. Our CAG is the one who is out most and who rules the house. He is only out with supervision. Our conure is pretty much cage bound, however in saying that ...last night I covered his cage, came back five minutes later to find him patrolling the couch next to his cage. So, his attitude may be changing.
I have more questions for the owner and will see if he is still available at the end of the week to visit. We have a storm coming in and I wouldn't want to pick up a bird in a storm.

I think a visit is well worth your time! Either way, hope he gets a good home. There is life after breeding!!

 

[SilverSage]

And I would add that any breeder worth their salt believes that breeding should only ADD enrichment to the life of their birds and takes good care of the hearts and minds of their breeders. Chances aren't high that the current owner is one of those based on what you have said, but there is always a chance.


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