New baby coming home

[mb2992]

Hi guys,

So I posted on here before about getting a cockatoo, and as I have been going around to different bird stores I fell in love with a goffin cockatoo.

Anyways, I have done hours of research and talked to peoe who own a goffin, and as it gets closer to bring him home I'm trying to get ready.

I was wondering what everyone who owns a cockatoo uses as toys. I obviously want to get toys that will keep him busy when I'm not around. I've read that puzzle toys and knotted leather is good to keep them busy. What are other ideas for toys and where do you get them from? I was looking a the bird store I am getting him from, and they have a few things I think would be good but it wouldn't be enough toys for him. Also I would like to hear about any home made ideas.

Any advice on toys or any other aspect of owning a goffin is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Julianna]

I don't own a cockatoo, but I think most parrots like all types of toys. Each individual has preferences, but you'll have to figure out what your bird likes best after you get him/her. I would just start out with a toy of every kind - plastic, wood, shreddable, indestructable, rope, puzzle, and whatever else you can find. I have a website with some super cheap homemade toy ideas: http://julianna.hoza.us/homemadeparrottoys/ To make the toys on this website all you need is rope, paper, and cardboard.

 

[Jayyj]

When I bought toys for Alice before bringing her home, I bought the ones I thought looked classy and tasteful in the cage. Needless to say she wasn't interested in any of them, at which point I panicked and bought everything the store had in the hope of coming up with something she liked. I kind of have an idea what she likes now so most things I buy she'll at least have a look at, but it was trial and error for a long while. I also used to swap things over religiously every other day, but to be honest she has her preferred ones which get shredded and need replacing fairly regularly, and she's not too fussed about new stuff.

For reference, her favourite toys are laptops, tv remotes, silkscreens on t shirts, zippers, and my left ear. Anything else she can take or leave...

 

[Allee]

All parrots, cockatoos included, have their own opinions about toys and entertainment and most make their opinions known. My umbrella loves all foraging toys, soft wood chew toys, his snuggle swing, and believe it or not, his guitar. His is a toddler toy with huge square buttons and two channels, it plays nursery songs and ABC's. I attached it to his cage with leather strips, he loves it and gets furious if anyone touches it. he also likes acrylic puzzles but after he figures them out he's done with it. He gets so wrapped up in his paper foraging projects, I have to interrupt him for meals and out of his cage time.

 

[Lace]

Houdini loves anything he can shred, especially pieces of cotton rope he can unwind. I've never met a 2 that doesn't like soft wood. I make a lot of my own toys by drilling holes in popsicle sticks, and lacing them onto a piece of yarn. Even yarn can be braided and hung for them. The only thing I stay away from is the small plastic beads. I'm always worried he will swallow one. Bells, cat toy balls, you name it. They will let you know what their favorite it and what they don't like. Just change them out if they are looking bored.

 

[drcyclops]

Well, from my experience with our 6mth old U2 we prepped well before coming home. We purchased bird safe chew toys, puzzles and foraging items. Various perch materials and diameters for foot exercise. We also have the luxury of being to provide a sleeping cage and a space for sleep away from noise and such. We cannot stress more that the prep time and research made the transition great and practically problem free. Also, I would consider a carrying cage for transport as well. I do hope things go well for you and I am sure they will. Read and Prep time worked for us.
Best,
Dr. C

 

[Scott]

My Goffins are buzz-saws and prefer wood toys. One in particular will destroy a Macaw-sized quickly. They also like large plastic chain and leather strip toys.