Goffin's Cockatoo

[jaimmorr]

Oh, hey there. It's me again!

I have decided against getting the baby Yellow-Shouldered Amazon that was previously mentioned. After thinking long and hard about it, plus reading a thread (on another forum) about how birds that have been with you since babyhood begin to change and "turn" on you, seeing you as their parent, and seek out a mate, I have decided to try and rehome/rescue an older bird.

In doing so, I believe I can find the perfect *bird* for me instead of the perfect *species*. I think this way a bird can really pick me and we will bond better.

Anyway, I just decided to go for it and looked on Kijiji today. As I was browsing, an ad caught my eye. It was for a Goffin's Cockatoo named Ricco. He is the cutest thing I have ever seen. I e-mailed the woman about him and she gave me a bit more information on him. According to her, he is hand tame, he steps up, he is very sweet and loves head scratches and snuggling, he talks, sings, and dances, and he loves being around people. She is re-homing him because he and her other (new) bird do not get along and she doesn't have time for both of them. In talking with her, she seemed to really like me and kept saying that I sound perfect for Ricco.

Ricco is currently being kept in a 24X20 cage.. :20: I told her I already have a cage (36X28), but we have decided I'll take his cage anyway that way he's not too stressed out at first. His feathers seem ragged, I'm not sure if that could possibly be due to the small cage size, perhaps a Vitamin A deficiency, or maybe not enough showers? He doesn't have any bald patches, but his feathers just look... Not quite healthy. He's also on a seed diet, so I will be changing him over to high quality pellets and fresh veggies/fruits. I'm hoping this will improve his feather quality at least by some. I am not sure when he was last at the vet, but I will be asking this (among a ton of other questions) when I go to meet him.

I am going to meet Ricco on Saturday! I cannot wait! She sent me a bunch of pictures of him and he is so darling. I don't want to get myself too excited, but I can't help it! He just sounds so perfect.

I will keep you all updated!

Hmm, should I add pictures now or later? Not sure if I should post and jinx it...

 

[sssaucey]

I don't think you would have a problem with a fully weaned bird thinking of you as their parent, since they had the experience of leaving their "parent" already(the breeder or handrearer)

but good luck with the goffin

 

[jaimmorr]

I don't think you would have a problem with a fully weaned bird thinking of you as their parent, since they had the experience of leaving their "parent" already(the breeder or handrearer)

but good luck with the goffin

Thanks!

I thought so too, until I read multiple individuals' experiences with parrots that they got from a baby loving them until they were 10-20 years old and then completely turning around and changing. Just something to think about. And I believe in having a parrot "pick" you, and with only one baby you can't really do that since babies love everyone. So, I'm just going to hope this pans out well for me...

 

[sssaucey]

Something to look into.
Hopefully it all works out with him!!!

 

[henpecked]

Think people have given you the wrong info about baby zons, if that's what you believe to be true.It's in early socialization and your knowledge of zon behavior. Regardless, hope it works out. I just wanted to post that i don't visit this section much, if you need help or advice feel free to contact me. PS i have nothing against toos , it's just i don't think i could stand up to their charms, I'm too weak.

 

[GiosMom]

Yayyyy! I think that your perfect for Ricco too! Keep me posted and send pics. I'm totally a Goffin lover so this sounds awesome!

 

[jaimmorr]

Here, I will attach the link to the thread in which people were discussing this:

Baby to adult. Will they still love me? - Avian Avenue

I hope you all will read it and see what I'm talking about. Of course, it's just some opinions, but it's still something to consider.

Capt. - Thanks I hope so too!

Laura - Thanks! I so will. I plan on putting some pictures up after I go and meet him... Or if I can't wait that long, I'll put them up sooner!

 

[luvmytooo]

Good luck with Ricco , i hope it works out for you Pictures please !
i wouldn't give much thought to that article regarding Zons.
If you need advice , seriously , this is the place to be hon.
This is the best forum with people who have the birds best interest in mind.
I would rather get advice from here or at least a known authority on birds , JMO.

 

[KatherineI]

You already know what I have to say on the matter Good luck Saturday!! I hope I hear good things!

 

[Mchal]

That's so sad she is giving away Ricco because she got a new bird! I'm looking to make an addition and I could never give away Bert!
But good luck with meeting him! It sounds like you will give him a loving home Lots and lots and lots of pictures please!

 

[wenz2712]

You have defiantely been given the wrong info on Zons turning on you as they get older.. You could say that with any breed that you have from young.. If a Bird is going to turn on you, they could do this at any age, or just because they are having a bad day you just have to be able to read their body language!

Good luck though on Sat with your Goffin

 

[jaimmorr]

Thanks everyone!

Just so everyone knows, that thread isn't about Amazons. It's about parrots in general. The original post was asking about a Macaw, a Goffin's, and an Amazon. But they're talking about all of their birds and their experiences on the subject. Feel free to check it out so you see what I'm talking about.

I will upload pictures a little later today!

 

[greycloud]

Jaimmorr, I am a long time member on the forum you posted the link to. I also am on another forum besides these two. You will find many members are interactive on several forums and everyone thinks their forum is best.
The link you provided is an excellent topic and the people who responded have owned birds up to 30 yrs. I think you and several members here may be missing the point.
First, consider that parrots have only been removed from the wild by just 1-2 generations, especially in the larger species. Our captive parrots are wild animals.
I have bred parrots for over 15 yrs. There is a sticky I made in the Bird Chat area entitled "The dangers of purchasing an unweaned baby" I advise everyone read it.
It is a proven fact that babies, as they mature leave their parents and seek out other flock members to be friends, as well as mates. We are their flock members. As babies sexually mature they will go through stages that naturally cause them to separate from their parent bird(many times you or a family member) to seek out a mate of their liking. Sometimes this takes the form of aggression toward us or others, even flock members. This is seen in all parrot species.
Now this is not to say that the behavior cannot be changed. There will be rocky roads that occur in every relationship we have with our parrots. Everyday there are changes. It is up to us to work with and through these changes as they occur. Does it happen often, an unresounding yes it does! I have owned parrots for 30 years. I foster and rescue. From newly hatched to 40+yr olds. My easiest parrots have been older birds. They have reached sexual maturity are settled with themselves. Yes, babies are so sweet. Behaviors can be changed with positive reinforcement and love.

 

[KatherineI]

Honestly, I think that Jaimmor's decision to go with an older parrot of any species that "chooses" her is a better topic and idea than the whole Zon issue/non-issue.

I think it's a fabulous approach for someone who isn't set on one specific species, it keeps you open to finding "your" bird and gives an older bird that needs one, a home.

 

[jaimmorr]

Thanks again to everyone. Greycloud, yes I completely understand that. That was not my only reason for deciding to rescue (rehome) an older bird. I also strongly believe in rescue and I think it's the best decision for me personally.

Thanks, Katherine.

 

[jaimmorr]

Who wants pictures?!

Is he not DARLING?!

Now some questions -

See how his feathers look ragged? Is this from a Vitamin A deficiency, cage being too small, not enough baths, etc, or is it from plucking?

If it is from plucking, should I still take him?


Also - Is there anything specific I should ask her about him? I already know the basics like how long has she had him, when was the last time he was at the vet, his favorite foods/toys, etc.

 

[RescueMe]

The feather issue could be any of those or a combination of all. I think that the decision of taking him should be "blind" to the feather issue, as long as you are a good match for him. He may get better feather quality with the care you provide, he may not get better. He may have begun to shred when she added a new member to the flock. Ask her if this has been a problem, what has his diet been? Does he seem stressed about the new addition? I think that he is absolutely adorable!! How was your visit overall. The pictures tell a great story, one that says he is trusting and friendly. We are waiting with baited breath!!

 

[GiosMom]

He is adorable. The feathers are a little raggy and his beak is a little long also as well as his nails. I think with adding some fruits veggies and a pellet diet, combined with a good grooming and TLC from you he will brighten right up!! He definitely has been neglected from a care stand point so I think it's between the cage and also a little stress but getting him to the Vet for a clean bill of health is the best route to take to make sure. Super excited for you!! I am totally a Goffin Fanatic! Soooo I Love Love LOVE your choice. Keep me posted of all the fun-firsts! I'm waiting on our baby G.....I'm so jealous! Take care! Xxoo for Ricco and You!!

 

[Mozzie]

Awww he is so adorable!!!!! I vote Get him!!! I think getting an older parrot is a wise choice. I will bet with the good care you will be giving him, his feathers will soon look a lot better! A lot of it is probably caused by not getting the right diet. With my rescue birds, their feathers looked so much healthier after a while of getting a good diet and lots of TLC. I am sure it would be the same for you. He seems like he would be a great fit for you. Keep us updated for sure on how it all works out and best of luck!!

 

[jaimmorr]

Ahhhhhh I cannot stop looking at his pictures!!! I keep telling myself, "No, you don't need to go look at his pictures again because you're getting too attached to a bird that you haven't even met yet. He may or may not like you, so stop getting your hopes up!" But I can't help it! Every time I look at his pictures (Like 10 times a day) I get a huge smile on my face!

It was really funny at work today: I was on my computer near the end of the day and my coworker was taking a quick break so she was leaning back in her chair. She glanced over at my screen and saw me looking at him again and she said, "You know... I really don't think you should get that bird." I said "Why?!" To which she replied, "I just don't think you like him enough!" (Sarcasm, obviously) LOL!

Ahhh thank you guys! I'm really hoping that he likes me and after I get him checked out by the vet and on a good diet, in a bigger cage, and lots of attention and training/confidence building that he will be a happy bird and not need to pluck. But if he is a plucker, as long as he is happy and it's just habit formed, I will love him anyway.

Oh no, did I just say the L word?! :O

Haha, goodnight, guys. 3 MORE DAYS til Saturday!!!!