THE GOFFINS COCKATOO IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH

YOUR #1 SOURCE OF INFORMATION

FOR A

SAFE, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND WELL BEHAVED BIRD

COMPILED BY: JAN SANTOR & KIMBERLY SANTOR

Welcome to june & end of hormone season (for now)

more birdies everywhere: As all birdie slaves know, last month was a tough one with hormone season in full swing for most every species. Things should be returning to normal, about now, unless you have a bird setting on or now hatching eggs. Things can get pretty hairy and feisty with nesting and chick rearing, too. If you do have nesting birds, be sure to watch closely that the babies are being cared for by mom and dad like they should be. If you have any questions about chick parenting, just drop us an e-mail and I will be there to help you with your questions and hopefully assist you with any problems you may be having in this area. (Jan)

anti-bird legislation NEWS:

Thankfully, there is absolutely nothing going on, in the legislative arena right now.

THE GOFFINS COCKATOO IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH!!!!!! The Gregarious, intelligent and affectionate Goffins Cockatoo, has not enjoyed the popularity of other larger Cockatoos in the pet world because they demand much love and attention. If you are among those who are owned by one, you already know that they are largely underestimated as the perfect bird, as long as you have plenty of time, love and affection to give them. They cement a bond between themselves and their humans like no other bird. They are not a bird to be left to a bird room or to entertain themselves. They are fun loving, interactive and said to be natural entertainers. But; this smallest of Cockatoos (approximately 12.5” long-weighing 300-400 grams) will not be denied attention and without it, they turn inward and sullen. They are cuddly and snuggly and will fill your days with love and lively laughter, and they demand it from their humans. Goffins can be excellent and prolific talkers, but; like any other parrot; some just prefer to talk “parrot”. It does take a good deal of effort to have them speak fluently, but; the rewards are many when they do. They do have a tendency to scream (as most Cockatoos do) when left to their own devices when they want attention and love. They hail from the Tenimber Islands of Indonesia and are flock birds in the wild; hence, their need to be a part of their human flock. This is why they make excellent birds for families, because they will bond to more than one person and are extremely gentle. Children must be taught that all birds bite and so do Goffins. Adult supervision is always as must. They are not susceptible to many diseases with the exception of Psittacine Beak and Feather Syndrome. This unfortunate disease usually manifests itself in the feathers after several years. In addition to feather malformation, beak disfiguration is common with this disease. All Cockatoos species have the propensity to develop this syndrome. Unlike other parrots, the Goffins should NOT be weaned before 12-14 weeks of age. When they go to a new home, their humans should offer warm formula or other “comfort” foods a couple of times per day until they are completely weaned to a diet of pellets, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. If the baby is not weaned by the breeder properly, their cries for comfort food or formula will turn to screaming very shortly and the new family relationship can deteriorate or be lost. Please be sure to ask lots of questions of your selected breeder, before purchasing. They do not fair well with being rehomed, because they mourn for their original human flock. Because of their high energy and activity level, Goffins need the biggest cage you can manage. The very minimum would be 24 inches wide by 36 inches long, but they will utilize every inch of even the largest Macaw-sized cage. Just be certain that you order one with ¾ or one-inch bar spacing so the bird can’t get its head through. Another reason for a large cage is that they cannot be permitted out and about without constant supervision. There is no parrot capable of causing more damage or getting into trouble more quickly than a fun-loving Goffins cockatoo!

wild quaker activity: The utility companies are still on a Quaker nest tear down tangent and birds are being euthanized. QPS is working very hard to stop this, but; we need all the not-activist help that we can get. As you know, The Quaker Parrot Society is trying to work with the various utility companies to erect alternative nesting platforms and to have the utility companies wait until AFTER the babies have fledged before destroying existing nests. The Friends of Animals, unsuccessfully brought suit against one utility company, but; I have read that they were not prepared for a logical, problem resolution solution for the Judge to consider. Too bad for the Quakers, because many will be killed and their eggs and chicks destroyed along with their nests. We all must appeal to the sense of humanity that must be hidden behind the profit making mindset of the utilities; to find a kinder and more humane way of dealing with this problem. Contact whomever you need to, but; please “walk softly and carry a big nesting stick”... The Quakers will thank you.

birds both domestic and wild need your help. Many states have placed the Nanday Conure (more will be added, I am sure) to their list of illegal birds to own. If you are a sanctuary that borders states like Tennessee, Please offer your help to those who are being TEMPORARILY allowed to house them until they can be moved to a legal state, under the proviso that the bird never re-enter the illegal state. Some states are now confiscating from private homes, if the authorities “get wind” of a Quaker or Nanday” living in their state. Please find it in your heart to help us get these domestic, well loved and cared for birds out of the illegal states so that they may find new forever homes instead of the Rainbow Bridge. Pennsylvania and Tennessee seem to be the real hotspots for now, so if you are a recognized legal rescue or sanctuary in a LEGAL state that is willing to help, please let us know. THANK YOU SO MUCH. (jan)

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Until next month, remember that we guarantee all of our products to be bird safe, because we care about your bird!!!!!!!!!!!