The Goffin's cockatoo, also called the Tanimbar corella, is the smallest of the white cockatoos, about 12 inches long from head to tail. Goffin's are mainly white with salmon-colored feathers around the eyes and beak, and the deeper feathers in the crest and around the neck are also salmon colored. These birds are intelligent, energetic parrots that require a nutritious diet. Like all companion parrots, cockatoos do not thrive on birdseed alone.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Goffin's Cockatoos
Food for cockatoos should be nutritious and include a foraging element. Wild cockatoos forage all day for seeds and nuts, as well as coconuts and grain crops. It's essential to provide a varied diet that mimics their natural feeding habits to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Transitioning to a Healthier Diet
Transitioning a Goffin's cockatoo from a seed-based diet to a more balanced one can be challenging, especially with a bird that has a history of neglect and trust issues. One owner shared the story of Tiko, a 14-year-old Goffin's cockatoo with a history of abuse, who initially refused to eat anything but seeds, a few nuts, and corn. The key to success lies in patience and persistence.
Establishing Trust
Parrots have no innate reason to accept humans as benevolent, and a bird like Tiko, who has experienced abuse, has good reason to be wary. Building trust is the first step. Work slowly, rewarding any positive interaction with a favorite treat, such as bits of almond or walnut.
The Pellet Conversion Method
A quality pellet is generally preferable to an all-seed diet, as cockatoos are susceptible to fatty liver disease. When trying to convert Tiko to a pellet diet, mixing pellets with his normal food resulted in him throwing the pellets all over the floor. It is better to use the Harrison's conversion method. This method isolates pellets and seeds, serving them hours apart. The concept is to stimulate curiosity when hungry, but never starve a bird into submission.
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Trying Different Pellets
Buy various pellets in the smallest quantities possible, as the odds of finding one acceptable from the beginning are slim. A good gateway pellet is Zupreem Fruit Blend - colorful though each taste identical. Once the cockatoo has learned to enjoy pellets, substitutions become easier.
The "Chop Challenge"
The primary nutrient source ought to be an abundance of fresh veggies and fruits, also known as "chop." Prepare two identical bowls of fresh veggies and fruits, give one to the cockatoo, and begin eating from your bowl, making "mmmm" sounds and bobbing your head with delight. Continue offering the "chop" despite the bird's initial refusal. One owner noted that one of their Goffin's ignored pear for nearly two decades before trying and loving it!
Incorporating Vegetables and Fruits
The majority of "chop" ought to be fresh veggies. Cooked sweet potato and yams, green peas, garbanzo beans, edamame in the pod, blackeye peas, lima beans, apple, pear, banana, and melon seeds are often enjoyed. Continue to offer other items in the hope that the bird will eventually try them.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided altogether. Avocado, chocolate, and rhubarb have toxic properties that could harm or kill a bird if ingested. Apple pips and stones from cherries and peaches/apricots contain a substance called amygdalin, which releases cyanide into the body. While a bird would have to eat a large quantity to be affected, it's best to avoid these. It is also important to be careful with chilli peppers and raw peanuts in the shell, as the shell may contain fungus. Roasting the shell kills 99% of any potential fungus.
Addressing Feather-Damaging Behavior
Feather-damaging behavior can stem from various causes, including bacterial skin infections, viruses, fungal infections, allergies, metal poisoning, hormonal fluctuations, or psychological factors. Diagnosing the underlying issues and developing an effective treatment plan can be challenging. A veterinarian will likely recommend several tests to prescribe appropriate medications.
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Birds with inflammatory skin or follicle diseases may experience these issues. Potential causes include local infections, metabolic problems, or even intestinal parasites. This area can also be prone to more serious conditions like skin cancer. An avian-experienced veterinarian should examine the bird and conduct tests.
If wing feathers are damaged, it can create a serious cycle; they won't fold properly and may poke the bird in the sides, leading to increased discomfort and further chewing. If the issue originated from a wing trim, all primary and secondary stubs should be removed to allow for soft and complete regrowth. This procedure requires anesthesia and should follow a thorough check-up.
Veterinary Care
The bird should see an avian-experienced veterinarian or seek a second opinion if there are concerns about the current vet. Medications from pet or feed stores and home remedies can be harmful, ineffective, immunosuppressive, and may worsen the condition, interfering with the veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment.
Creating a Healthy Environment
In addition to a proper diet, several environmental factors contribute to a Goffin's cockatoo's well-being. Birds require 12-14 hours of dark, quiet, uninterrupted sleep at night. Insufficient sleep can lead to deprivation and related health issues. They should be covered or placed in a dark room that is not used after bedtime.
The cage should be cleaned daily, and twice a day if the bird is particularly messy. Acceptable materials include paper towels, newspaper, or bath towels. Avoid using corn cob, sawdust, wood chips, or walnut shells. Never provide grit, gravel, sandpaper, or cement perches. Birds may consume these excessively when unwell or if there is a nutritional deficiency.
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Goffin's Cockatoo Behavior and Enrichment
Goffin's cockatoos are fun-loving, intelligent, and energetic parrots. They are not shy birds and most enjoy being held and petted, and are friendly and sociable. They can also be a bit mischievous and are quick learners. A pet Goffin’s needs a steady supply of toys and appropriate items to chew and destroy.
Cockatoos, including Goffin’s, tend to be more needy than other pet parrot species and an owner should set boundaries early on, otherwise the bird might scream for attention. Goffin’s cockatoos are highly intelligent and especially good at figuring out how to unlock cage doors. Cockatoos are prone to picking at or pulling out their feathers is not offered sufficient mental stimulation.