Goffins Cockatoo

Question
Hi there,
I have a decision to make. I have the opportunity to adopt an 8 yr old Goffins from a family that has had allergies develop as well as a toddler started walking. As a result the goffin Kazoo, has had much less attention and interaction and has recently started to pluck her feathers and has bitten. My other option is in October or November to adopt a baby and be able to intract and bond from the beginning. I have no problem adopting the older bird if there is a chance she will be able to bounce back with alot of 1 on 1 attention from me. Please give me any input or advice you have as to the plus and minus sides of adopting older vs a baby.
Thanks so much!
Amanda

Answer
Hi Amanda,

In my personal opinion, I would always opt to help a homeless animal, instead of buying a baby. But I am totally into rescue! :) (So my opinion is completely biased).

I have worked with many older birds (some as old as 16 and 25) and all of them have had an adjustment period, but have still turned out to be great birds.

Sometimes all a bird needs is a consistant environment with proper guidelines. Many parrot owners (especially people who own bigger parrots), just do not understand them and this is why they have so many problems in captivity. Some birds, like cockatoos, are also extremely emotional and sensitive. When they start getting ignored, plucking and screaming are very, very common.

If the plucking becomes habit, it might be hard to discourage Kazoo from doing it. However, maybe all she needs is more attention (like she had before the baby came along).

Here are some articles that should help you with your decision:

http://www.nd.edu/~kkiessel/secondhand.html

http://www.itsagreysworld.com/articles/used.htm

http://www.parrothouse.com/pamelaclark/secondhand.html

http://www.companionparrot.com/Complexities%20of%20Feather%20Destructive%20Behav...

http://www.companionparrot.com/Standards%20for%20a%20Quality%20Bird%20Shop.htm  (applies to breeders as well)

http://www.companionparrot.com/Questions%20to%20Ask%20the%20Breeder.htm

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww55eii.htm

I hope this helps.

-Maggie