Upleasantly surprised w/ baby goffin

[bambam]

Hbei everyone,

I'm brand new here and joined this forum because I figured there would be someone that culd help me out. Let me start off by saying that I am a bird lover and I've had my greenwing macaw (bam bam) for 10 years, so I'm not new to the bird world. Here's the situation: I've been talking to my husband (of 2 yrs) about adding a second bird to our family because I want another one and bam bam really enjoys the company of other birds. He loves chatting across the room with the other birds when we board him and gets along very well with my dad's african grey. My husband is always surprising me but never with animals, because he isn't an animal person. Well I guess he decided to try something new and he showed up on Friday night with a baby goffin cockatoo! No offense to the cockatoo lovers, they are awesome birds but I would never want one as a pet because they don't suit my lifestyle and I can't handle the screaming. Well my husbands heart about brokw when he saw the look on my face and when asked to explain, he said the pet shop owner told him that goffins were the best family birds and they love to snuggle. Well we've had this bird for a couple days now and it's been a complete nightmare for us because of the screeching. We have a 7 month old son who's sleep has constantly been disturbed and its driving me crazy. My macaw is very quiet. He doesn't scream he vocalizes, so I'm not used to this. I called the guy at the pet shop asking to return the baby and he quickly said no and proceeded to hang up in my face. I came here because you all know about cockatoos and what it takes to own them. I'd rather see if anyone would be interested in this baby here than place an ad and have it go to someone who doesn't have a clue. This bird is not the right fit for our family and I never would've chosen it. Hubby thought he was doing a great thing but he made a poor decision. If anyone is interested please let me know asap. The baby is 20 weeks old and incredibly sweet, but there's no way we can keep it. I'm located in Lancaster, California (Southern) Thanks for reading.

 

[KatherineI]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm a Goffin owner and I find that my girl screams only a few times a day unless something is severely bothering her (like the hive of bee's that feel like they're taking over my house - long story).

I'd definitely be upset. Pets of any kind, but particularly long-term ones, are never to be surprises, spur-of-the-moment decisions,etc. It took us years after a bad experience to even think about having birds again and every animal in my home has been considered by us as a couple.

I wish I knew what to tell you. Do you notice a pattern with the screaming? Sugar also isn't anywhere near as loud at a U2 or M2, but can still be ear piercing at times. I also don't have an infant to consider and she's always quiet at night time (once she's put to bed). Unfortunately, you can't punish a Too for doing what comes naturally (screaming), but you can try and curb it. Sometimes Sugar starts to yell if she doesn't have food (or the type of food she wants), sometimes it's just "hey, I'm happy to be alive!" and you just have to tolerate it. Although, it doesn't sound like you're even considering keeping it.

Sugar is also incredibly sweet, good with all three of us, so your husband is right; they do make great family pets as opposed to many other species of bird.

I wish I was in a better position to help you Good luck!

 

[OtterKin]

This was interesting BamBam- perhaps it should be handfed a couple times a day for a little while? I know nothing about cockatoo's, just looked it up and found this. Goffins Cockatoo, cacatua goffini - Hornbeam Aviary

 

[bambam]

Thank you both for responding. I've hand fed many birds so I tried offering it formula but it wasn't interested. What it wants is to be out of its cage and on me. There's no screaming when I'm holding it and it's not constant while it's in the cage but it's still more than I'm comfortable with. I tried letting it hang out on a perch but it jumps off and walks over to me everytime. This would've been fine when I was single with no kids but I just don't have that kind of time to devote to a bird right now. My macaw plays independantly and gets his special snuggle time after my son goes to sleep. I would consider keeping the goffins if I thought I could give it what it needs to be happy but I know I won't be able to.

 

[MaraWentz]

My goffin was like that, but nit at first. She started off perfect, then after we moved she screamed earlier in the morning so we would just uncover her cage, the following week she would continue to scream once uncovered so we would open the door and the cycle would go on... needless to say 2 months later she was screaming 24/7 whether she was covered, uncovered, fresh food, fresh water, open door, being held, just non stop screaming so we removed her and she stopped right away...

 

[bambam]

When you say you removed her and she stopped screaming, what do you mean? You removed her from your house all together, or removed her from her cage?

 

[wenz2712]

First and foremost, Welcome to the forum

I am sorry to hear about your predicament with your new Goffins Unfortunately, they do seem to be screamers!! I know a couple of people that have Goffins and they seem to scream non stop!!

You may do better to put your Ad for her in our Adoptions/Rehoming section

 

[sarafigal]

So sorry for you! And with a baby in the house, I imagine you aren't getting enough sleep and alone time as it is... I've thought that I'd love a Goffins, but not until all of my kids have left for college. I can only juggle so many demands for attention! Best of luck. If the Adoptions section on this site doesn't produce a solution, there are terrific rescues that can help you.

 

[momto3]

If you absolutely are against working with the bird--and that is what I am reading, then I suggest getting an ad placed right away to find a home for her. Someone will snap up a sweet baby in a heartbeat. You probably won't get back all of the money that you paid to the petshop, but you will have the bird off your hands. Have you tried contacting other breeders in your area? What about bird clubs? Young birds, dogs, cats, guinea pigs--anything really--have a better chance of being adopted than older ones. Time is of essence because every day is another day older. Try posting a flyer at an avian vet. Good luck and hopefully your husband isn't too crushed

 

[RescueMe]

Where are you located, are you asking a rehomeing fee, ect. will help people see if they are a potential home for your little guy. Good luck, I know some people are just not able to handle certain types of birds.

 

[LivLaughLov]

I understand about your baby. A Goffin's is like having a baby/toddler all the time. If I lived near you I would buy your Goffin's in a minute! I have a baby Galah on the way but still want a Goffin's also. But my children are grown up and I have tons of time.

 

[MaraWentz]

When you say you removed her and she stopped screaming, what do you mean? You removed her from your house all together, or removed her from her cage?

I meant to type rehomed, but yes, at first we'd just uncover the cage, then we had to open the door, then we needed fresh water, then we needed to top off food, then we needed to hold her, and then even while holding her she still screamed, so we had to rehome her.

 

[bambam]

Where are you located, are you asking a rehomeing fee, ect. will help people see if they are a potential home for your little guy. Good luck, I know some people are just not able to handle certain types of birds.

I'm located in Lancaster, Ca (Southern) and I'm asking for what my husband paid which was $700. I know I may not get it all back but I hope to come really close as Christmas is coming, plus we have a baby to provide for. Ugh everytime I think about it I get more upset with my husband...what a mess! Thanks for your help. I also posted in the adoption section.
Tiffany

 

[bambam]

When you say you removed her and she stopped screaming, what do you mean? You removed her from your house all together, or removed her from her cage?

I meant to type rehomed, but yes, at first we'd just uncover the cage, then we had to open the door, then we needed fresh water, then we needed to top off food, then we needed to hold her, and then even while holding her she still screamed, so we had to rehome her.

Wow, thank God this baby is no where near that bad. He/she isn't bad at all. It just needs more time than I can give at this stage in my life. This baby will make a fantastic companion for the right person/family.

 

[crimson]

Maybe you could trade for a bird that would fit your life style. It sounds like your in a bit of a bind and trading might be a good option...that way maybe you can re-coop what u paid for your goffin, with a bird that is worth the same.

 

[bambam]

Maybe you could trade for a bird that would fit your life style. It sounds like your in a bit of a bind and trading might be a good option...that way maybe you can re-coop what u paid for your goffin, with a bird that is worth the same.

You read my mind. I was just about to post that as a possibility. I would be open to a baby male ekkie, grey, or possibly macaw (depending on type).

 

[mtdoramike]

WoW, I too would be very upset if my spouse returned home with a pet thinking they were surprising me, especially a cockatoo of any kind. I love cockatoo's, but would never want to own own one. I have a small senegal parrot that is supposed to be an apartment bird because they are reported to be quiet. But she can really get on your last nerve during the day with her vocals and screaming and squawking.

I see no need in trying to talk you into keeping a bird you clearly don't want. But $700.00 for a Goffins is high retail and unless your a pet shop, I can't see you getting that. Your probably going to be hard pressed to get $400.00 tops. Hopefully someone will respond with a trade offer for you.When it's all said and done, I think this is going to be one of those life lessons that your husband is going to have to live with. I know them well and have had to live with my share of them and hopefully this one will not be as expensive as some of mine were.

 

[bambam]

WoW, I too would be very upset if my spouse returned home with a pet thinking they were surprising me, especially a cockatoo of any kind. I love cockatoo's, but would never want to own own one. I have a small senegal parrot that is supposed to be an apartment bird because they are reported to be quiet. But she can really get on your last nerve during the day with her vocals and screaming and squawking.

I see no need in trying to talk you into keeping a bird you clearly don't want. But $700.00 for a Goffins is high retail and unless your a pet shop, I can't see you getting that. Your probably going to be hard pressed to get $400.00 tops. Hopefully someone will respond with a trade offer for you.When it's all said and done, I think this is going to be one of those life lessons that your husband is going to have to live with. I know them well and have had to live with my share of them and hopefully this one will not be as expensive as some of mine were.

$700 is actually low for California. I've called 5 different bird stores and their goffins are anywhere from $850 to $950. I understand that I'll probably hve to take a loss. I'm hoping for a trade but if I must take a loss and get this baby in a permanent home, that's what I'll do. It's not the baby's fault. Trust me, my husband has learned his lesson.

 

[SweetPeasFriend]

Sounds to me like it is just a baby.

 

[michgoss]

Where are you located? I have two
Cockatoos and I love them