Goffin's Cockatoo

[KatherineI]

Sugar's grip is weak. Do not concern yourself too much in regards to that. He might be clumsy (Sugar sure is!) but my Vet said that Goffin's are known to be ground foragers, so they're used to spending quite a bit of time on the ground and in evolutionary terms, they didn't develop the severe standing grip many other parrots have. Their grips are good enough, but they do tend to have issues while on arms/hands and occasionally perches, as they have a more of a "flat foot" thing going on. Reading up, I've read that several places in regards to Goffins, so this seems to be the norm.

It sounds like he's very taken with you. Sugar was very similar. However, BE WARY OF THE SHOULDER. He may not have any, but some birds are prone to height dominance and being on the shoulder can assist in manifesting this. Sugar didn't want to be anywhere but on shoulders until after we got her home and started working with her. She's also not height dominant (and shows submissive signs towards us) so shouldering is occasionally done, but I try to do it as little as possible.

Watery stools are just like Mozzie said, it can be from eating fruit. I got concerned one day when, after feeding watermelon, Sugar's poops turn (you guessed it) PINK! I started freaking out and then Hubs goes "Didn't she have watermelon today?" "yes". Smirk from him. Sure enough, the next morning she was fine, lol. She often has watery stools and it's usually on a fruit day. Dishes vs bottles for water.. hmm. I personally would like to switch both my guys to bottles. Why? So that I can stop changing their water every 2 hours because someone pooped in their water dish! (side note, WHY do manufacturers put the food holders so low in the cages? Makes no sense! Grrr) It also makes travel easier when you need to go places and can't necessarily have an open water dish (like on 1500 mile moves!). So that could eventually be a blessing in disguise

YAY!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

 

[jaimmorr]

Woo hoo !!! Congrats . I bet you won't be able to think about nothing else now , lol
In regards to Ricco's grip , what did his nails look like ? If his nails are short , he may not be able to grip well. And , if too long , it could be painful for him because his nails are cutting into his feet when gripping so he tries to balance more then grip. JMO.
Maybe someone else knows more about it and will post.
I just hope it's to neurological .....what did the owner say about this ?
I would definatley question it and see what she says. You really want to know exactly what your getting into and since this woman is Ricco's first momma , you should be able to get his whole history , unlike a rescue with not much of a backround to go by.

He sounds wonderful and it looks like he's taken to you and it's only your first visit, lol..
Make sure the both of you handle him daily so he learns that you , your partner and him will be one happy flock . But you know all is already , lol.

Why not write down your concerns about Ricco and see if you can talk to a avian vet about him before you bring him home ? Just a thought...

Welcome to the wonderful world of Goffins . lolol. It's one amazing ride

Oh, of course I won't be able to think about anything else! LOL. His nails were cut very short. She actually isn't his first momma. She's his second that I know of. She got him 4 years ago. I think I might do that. I plan on calling an Avet tomorrow

Thank you! That's what everyone tells me

 

[jaimmorr]

Sugar's grip is weak. Do not concern yourself too much in regards to that. He might be clumsy (Sugar sure is!) but my Vet said that Goffin's are known to be ground foragers, so they're used to spending quite a bit of time on the ground and in evolutionary terms, they didn't develop the severe standing grip many other parrots have. Their grips are good enough, but they do tend to have issues while on arms/hands and occasionally perches, as they have a more of a "flat foot" thing going on. Reading up, I've read that several places in regards to Goffins, so this seems to be the norm.

It sounds like he's very taken with you. Sugar was very similar. However, BE WARY OF THE SHOULDER. He may not have any, but some birds are prone to height dominance and being on the shoulder can assist in manifesting this. Sugar didn't want to be anywhere but on shoulders until after we got her home and started working with her. She's also not height dominant (and shows submissive signs towards us) so shouldering is occasionally done, but I try to do it as little as possible.

Watery stools are just like Mozzie said, it can be from eating fruit. I got concerned one day when, after feeding watermelon, Sugar's poops turn (you guessed it) PINK! I started freaking out and then Hubs goes "Didn't she have watermelon today?" "yes". Smirk from him. Sure enough, the next morning she was fine, lol. She often has watery stools and it's usually on a fruit day. Dishes vs bottles for water.. hmm. I personally would like to switch both my guys to bottles. Why? So that I can stop changing their water every 2 hours because someone pooped in their water dish! (side note, WHY do manufacturers put the food holders so low in the cages? Makes no sense! Grrr) It also makes travel easier when you need to go places and can't necessarily have an open water dish (like on 1500 mile moves!). So that could eventually be a blessing in disguise

YAY!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

Interesting point! I didn't really think of that, but it's a good point.

Yep, I plan on breaking him of his shoulder habit. I want him to eventually be able to be on my shoulder, but until we gain trust with eachother and form a bond, I want him to be a non shoulder bird.

LOL! Yeah, I know. I'm actually pretty glad he's already water bottle trained! I think it will make things a lot easier.

Thank you, dear!! I'm very happy too!

 

[jaimmorr]

To everyone else: Thank you!!! Your support is very much appreciated.

I can't wait to bring him home, but there is so much to do until then! Get his cage set up, make some playstands, put some orders in for toys, perches, etc. So exciting!

And even if he does have some issues to work with, that's alright. I'll take him to the vet and get everything sorted out. He's mine now!