Goffins stresses and family wellness...?

[GIJoe]

Ok, I’m an absentee member, at best, and sorry I’m not more involved here.. I’m much more involved with my auto forums. Anyway.....
I picked up my Squiggy in summer of 2014, from the original owner/people who raised her(a teenage boy and his mom). She was 10 then, so about 14 now.
She has never taken to anyone, but me. My wife can barely pick her up, enough to bring her to me, or take her back to her cage. Even then, she’s often met with a nice bite to a finger just short of drawing blood.
I could live with her being only “mine”, but her latest tactic is to squawk something aweful if I don’t get her out and hold her. This not only disturbs the family activity of the hour, but is pretty painful on all our ears. I have some bad mobility issues and can’t always get to her to bring her to me, and my wife will only take so many bites(she’s endured a lot thus far)...
Sooo..


Pleeeease someone help me, so I don’t have to make the horrible call of sending her to another home. I waited 20yrs to finally get her, and I took on the remaining 30 yr commitment when I brought her home.

 

[Laurasea]

My brains shutting down getting sleepy. But I wanted to say welcome back. We will help you through this! We have some great people who will chime in. I'll give you my ideas tomorrow when not so sleepy.

 

[Scott]

Welcome back, we'll collectively give you some goffins-saving advice!

Goffins are not typically one-person birds, and in this case she is likely over-bonded to you. That explains her reluctance to socialize with your wife, and the typical screaming to get a reward - you.

On average, about how much time do you spend with Squiggy per day? Many cockatoos crave several hours of contact, and it need not all be touching you. Being in direct line of sight is helpful.

Secondarily, can you improve Squiggy's life in her cage (or wherever she is) when not with you? The greatest gift you can give any parrot is an ability to self-entertain. That means an oversized cage filled with all sorts of toys, at least until you know what are preferred. Goffins are phenomenal chewers; mine prefer wood above all else. Perhaps you can arrange music and/or a TV playing colorful images. She may also enjoy a scenic view out a window or glass door if feasible.

Is she in good health, and what is her diet? Doubtful health is the prime issue, but periodic well-checks with a certified avian vet are helpful. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits with a secondary source of quality pellets is ideal. You may also consider foraging toys or for her "chop" to further occupy her time.

As far as logistics are concerned, since your wife is frequently bitten, does she use her hand or a stick/perch? In some cases a thick glove may be a good alternative - if Squiggy does not freak out from any of these protective objects!

 

[Laurasea]

Ok, you never reward screaming with any attention! Screaming doesn't get out . Now you are going to have to go through an increase of screaming at first as she tries harder to get your attention! The whole family has to ignore all screaming!!! Bit on the other side you also need to increase her activities and burn up more of her energy! Has she ever been flighted? Can you let her become flighted again? Regardless you can work on trick training, like step through a hoop, then hop through, pick up objects and put in cup. If you don't have dogs and cats or other pets, you can teach her to climb down and walk to you.. Salty has lot of videos of tricks he has his Amazon do. You can try making a routine that she can count on for when you guys are going to do training or tricks or snuggling. When you know you have a family movie planned or something special, wear her out before hand, then give her a bath and a nut in the shell or something that takes time to work with. I do this with mine otherwise with three parrots I never have them quite at the same time... Work on foraging ideas for her mind, there are lots of ideas out there, I use stuff from my house, plastic bottle caps floated in a dish of water with seed treats in the caps they have to fish for, hang little toys outside the cage with little foot toys she has to fish through the cage, EllenD has recommended old papper back books to shred and my birds love this. Take brown paper bags and turn them into fringe that they have to cross under to get to food or water. I thread empty water bottles on branches and it's lots of fun for them to try and get them off. The more you can occupy her mind and the more energy you can burn off the better. You can try setting up at least two areas other than her cage top as play station , and she knows she goes to one in the morning, and then one in the afternoon, things can be hidden or attached to each play area.. I can stress enough how much having time outside helps the mental health if parrots, so if you hav a travel cage, or have harness trained her , a quick trip around the neighborhood in good weather, awww makes em so happy. I have Myasthenia Gravis and many times I need a mobility device to get around, I use my scooter for walks. I also have a cage on wheels and I just place the whole thing outside the door and sit with them for ten to fifteen minutes, I can tell how happy and usually quiet they are the rest of the day.. Screaming never gets rewarded, at first it will get worse, but then it will get better. Increase the activities she has, set a schedule , so she knows at this time I get daddy time, at this time I'm at my play stand hunting for treats and looking out a different window, this is the time we go for walks or rides. And wife gives treats every time she passes the cage and the bird is quiet. Good luck!

 

[GIJoe]

Welcome back, we'll collectively give you some goffins-saving advice! Thank you! I want my family to love birds as much as I do, all advice will be considered!

Goffins are not typically one-person birds, and in this case she is likely over-bonded to you. That explains her reluctance to socialize with your wife, and the typical screaming to get a reward - you. I’ll admit that in the beginning, I would get her out, and let her have some cuddle time to appease her, but my parenting skills snapped me out of that and I worked to ignore her during a tantrum. I believe I asked for advice a couple yrs ago, and was told to spray her with water when she’s acting out, but after a Long time of this, she doesn’t seem too phased by it.

On average, about how much time do you spend with Squiggy per day? Many cockatoos crave several hours of contact, and it need not all be touching you. Being in direct line of sight is helpful. I try to give her an hour or so, of one-on-one cuddle time. She enjoys hiding under my beard, while I scratch her head and her sides. She usually gets Very relaxed during this time. Full disclosure, it’s not every day that she gets that time, depending on how I feel and what else is taking my attention. (Not cool, I know...)

Secondarily, can you improve Squiggy's life in her cage (or wherever she is) when not with you? The greatest gift you can give any parrot is an ability to self-entertain. That means an oversized cage filled with all sorts of toys, at least until you know what are preferred. Goffins are phenomenal chewers; mine prefer wood above all else. Perhaps you can arrange music and/or a TV playing colorful images. She may also enjoy a scenic view out a window or glass door if feasible. This has been struggle since day one. She is such a scaredy cat of anything new. I got her a large braided rope for her cage and she flipped Out. She was Very stressed by the time I actually got her into the cage, and she stayed Far away from that thing for a week or more. Even walking through the house with her on my shoulder, if there is an item sitting on the table, that isn’t usually there, she takes flight and screams. Seriously, a big sissy! I have introduced a couple new items for activity, but feel worse about her stress each time. We’ve tried multiple locations for her cage over the years, trying to find the best place for visibility for Her. During the spring/summer, she gets in front of a window, but during colder months, we move her more inward to try and keep her warm.

Is she in good health, and what is her diet? Doubtful health is the prime issue, but periodic well-checks with a certified avian vet are helpful. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits with a secondary source of quality pellets is ideal. You may also consider foraging toys or for her "chop" to further occupy her time. I transitioned her from random seed and food to Harrison’s lifetime course straightaway when we got her. I’ve given her periodic fruit treats, but can’t remember what all she can eat that won’t hurt her, so She doesn’t often get anything but her lifetime course.

As far as logistics are concerned, since your wife is frequently bitten, does she use her hand or a stick/perch? In some cases a thick glove may be a good alternative - if Squiggy does not freak out from any of these protective objects!
My wife uses her hand, or arm. As mentioned above, Squiggy Freaks out with anything new. She’s tried to be a trooper and persevere, but Squiggs has a mean bite...

This is the best way I could respond, and address your concerns, I hope it’s not too odd. I have trouble keeping things straight anymore, so direct response is my best option..

..........

 

[Taprock]

The only advice I have was given by Birdman to me several years ago. My sons CAG only likes him and bites everyone else. At first he wouldn’t set up on a stick but I did cleaning and care for him. I was told to wrap my arm with cloth bandage, thick and put a heavy sweatshirt over it so a bite wouldn’t do as much damage and you can tell them no in a controlled way - not the pain reaction to a normal bite. It does work. My son worked with Buzz so he learned to step up on a L pvc perch and now I can use that to move him. He is still happy to bite me if I give him the opportunity. Being on the receiving end of the biting is no fun!

 

[GIJoe]

Increase the activities she has, set a schedule , so she knows at this time I get daddy time, at this time I'm at my play stand hunting for treats and looking out a different window, this is the time we go for walks or rides. And wife gives treats every time she passes the cage and the bird is quiet. Good luck!

No disrespect, Ma’am, but I am unable to follow your massive paragraph. I did appreciate a summary at the end.

Also to note, we have two cats, usually one dog(we have a second right now as a foster & PTSD Service dog in training), and two kids( 11 & 14) in the house.

Squiggy is full flight, but she doesn’t get a whole lot of air time, unless I Know the one cat is outside(the second cat couldn’t care less about her). I’ve attempted to harness train her, but it got ugly quick, so I’ve let that settle for a bit before trying again.

 

[Scott]

Actually I like your method of replying to each bullet point. Very logical!

Goffins are not naturally agitated by new things if properly socialized, so she must have been traumatized before you got her. Sometimes you never know the baggage these highly observant birds carry. At this stage you might make progress with in depth behavior modification, but will be slow.

Might find target/clicker training of value: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/60435-clicker-target-training.html

Also, bite pressure training for your wife's benefit: http://www.parrotforums.com/training/63988-bite-pressure-training.html

Harrison's Lifetime Course is an excellent pellet! Fresh veggies/fruits are an important part of diet. Some advice for what to make and what is safe:
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

What is safe to eat: http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

 

[Betrisher]

Your Squiggy sounds very much like my Rosetta. I absolutely know how awful the sound is that comes out of a cockatoo's throat, especially when you're close by! Rosetta is still a work in progress, so I speak with no authority at all.

Ignoring the scream goes without saying - as you said, it's exactly like a toddler tantrum. I've had a little bit of success by catching 'Setta when she whistles and rewarding that. Now, if she's screaming, I can say 'Sing, 'Setta' and she'll whistle for a while. I reward her and the silence lasts for a while. Or, at least, I get a period of maniacal whistling, which is lots easier to listen to than the full-throated bellow!

Distraction works too, but you have to be *so* careful not to make the distraction look as if it coincides with the screaming. By that, I mean you don't want Squiggy to think you're coming to do an exciting or interesting thing *because she's screaming*. So, wait till she makes a different sound and reward that with your treat or toy or whatever. I'll give 'Setta a cupcake paper or a toothpaste box or a paper cup and that takes a few minutes for her to shred and then 'wash' in her water dish. Distraction!

Beyond that, I'm busting to hear any new tips that others have for you, since nothing I've done has really worked so far.

PS. I've been told not to stroke 'Setta on her sides or back because that excites her hormonal state (ie. turns her on). I've found this to be quite true, so I only ever scratch her head these days.

 

[ChristaNL]

I have never owned a too so I may be completely wrong of course, but I have greys and they are "famous" (wrongly so imho) for being extreme phobic about anything new.
Well guess what: (and I've seen this with a lot of greys here on the forum that have been intensly socialized and mentally stimulated since day 1) once they get used to things changing around them and new items cropping up... they do not have a meltdown (anymore/at all, ever).

DEsensitizing is a real 'thing'.

So... start with the introducing new items protocoll (new item on the other side of the room for a few days, you pick it up and play with it - ignoring the bird, make it curious/jealous -pick whatever feeling you like best. When the bird stops freaking out...sneak it closer and closer (this may take days or even weeks! esp. in the beginning) till it is next to the cage. then hang it on the outside etc.etc. always watch out for stress in the bird, always play with it yourself, so the bird has some idea what it is for..untill you can hang it *in* the cage.

You have now taught your bird to tolerate new items (at their own pace of course) -> so not reinforcing any freaking out, but also stimulating curiosity and teaching the bird *how* to play.
After a while they will find their own uses for a toy, but in the beginning... just slamming it against the bars is great, attacking it...also great...
because if focusses the brain on something else beside chowing down kibble and screaming (and trying to have sexy-time with a beard which I will not blame her for at all btw.)

 

[GIJoe]

Your Squiggy sounds very much like my Rosetta. I absolutely know how awful the sound is that comes out of a cockatoo's throat, especially when you're close by! Rosetta is still a work in progress, so I speak with no authority at all.Thank you for your input, And honesty!

Ignoring the scream goes without saying - as you said, it's exactly like a toddler tantrum. I've had a little bit of success by catching 'Setta when she whistles and rewarding that. Now, if she's screaming, I can say 'Sing, 'Setta' and she'll whistle for a while. I reward her and the silence lasts for a while. Or, at least, I get a period of maniacal whistling, which is lots easier to listen to than the full-throated bellow!I can live with maniacal whistling!

Distraction works too, but you have to be *so* careful not to make the distraction look as if it coincides with the screaming. By that, I mean you don't want Squiggy to think you're coming to do an exciting or interesting thing *because she's screaming*. So, wait till she makes a different sound and reward that with your treat or toy or whatever. I'll give 'Setta a cupcake paper or a toothpaste box or a paper cup and that takes a few minutes for her to shred and then 'wash' in her water dish. Distraction!This makes perfect sense.

Beyond that, I'm busting to hear any new tips that others have for you, since nothing I've done has really worked so far.

PS. I've been told not to stroke 'Setta on her sides or back because that excites her hormonal state (ie. turns her on). I've found this to be quite true, so I only ever scratch her head these days.Now This I find Very interesting...She certainly does act quite different, when I’m “petting” her...

............

 

[GIJoe]

I have never owned a too so I may be completely wrong of course, but I have greys and they are "famous" (wrongly so imho) for being extreme phobic about anything new.
Well guess what: (and I've seen this with a lot of greys here on the forum that have been intensly socialized and mentally stimulated since day 1) once they get used to things changing around them and new items cropping up... they do not have a meltdown (anymore/at all, ever).Ill start experimenting with some “new” things around her cage...I can see that I’m not helping her fears any, but keeping things away from her.

DEsensitizing is a real 'thing'.

So... start with the introducing new items protocoll (new item on the other side of the room for a few days, you pick it up and play with it - ignoring the bird, make it curious/jealous -pick whatever feeling you like best. When the bird stops freaking out...sneak it closer and closer (this may take days or even weeks! esp. in the beginning) till it is next to the cage. then hang it on the outside etc.etc. always watch out for stress in the bird, always play with it yourself, so the bird has some idea what it is for..untill you can hang it *in* the cage.

You have now taught your bird to tolerate new items (at their own pace of course) -> so not reinforcing any freaking out, but also stimulating curiosity and teaching the bird *how* to play.
After a while they will find their own uses for a toy, but in the beginning... just slamming it against the bars is great, attacking it...also great...
because if focusses the brain on something else beside chowing down kibble and screaming (and trying to have sexy-time with a beard which I will not blame her for at all btw.)As I mentioned above, Squiggy does have a different behavior when we’re cuddling... I fear I have created a monster, as she REALLY likes to “cuddle”... There are times that she seems to go into convulsions(for lack of a better word) during cuddle time.. She’s in a different world during those times.

..........

 

[Scott]

A well adjusted Goffin can readily accept newness with joy. I've placed brand new large wooden toys in a cage, and within 1 minute the chewing begins. My female wild-caught Goffin is a bit more skittish with new perches, but adjusts quickly.

I believe if you cease some of the body contact you'll achieve results. Limiting to head scratches is best! They are so soft and cuddly, constant contact is hard to resist!

 

[GIJoe]

A quick update on Squiggy! I have cut down on the contact. When I have her out, I limit the scratches to her head and neck area, and whilst she was biting at first, I imagine trying to get me to do “more”, she has calmed that and just enjoys what she gets.

I’ve also found her to be generally more quiet now. I think the tips are working! I haven’t introduced any New toys yet, but I will be ordering some this week and start to give her more to do.

I want to thank you all for your input, and concern. It means a lot to know she can stay here, and with better information and treatment on my part, she can be happy and integrate into the family better.
Much thanks y’all! ��

 

[Scott]

A quick update on Squiggy! I have cut down on the contact. When I have her out, I limit the scratches to her head and neck area, and whilst she was biting at first, I imagine trying to get me to do “more”, she has calmed that and just enjoys what she gets.

I’ve also found her to be generally more quiet now. I think the tips are working! I haven’t introduced any New toys yet, but I will be ordering some this week and start to give her more to do.

I want to thank you all for your input, and concern. It means a lot to know she can stay here, and with better information and treatment on my part, she can be happy and integrate into the family better.
Much thanks y’all! ��

Wonderful update, thanks! You may find progress two steps forward, one back. Don't be discouraged, we'll be here to help!