The Goffin's Cockatoo

"Big Things Come in Little Packages"

The Goffin's Cockatoo may be the smallest in the Cockatoo species but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality! Goffin's are best described as playful, affectionate, and incredibly charming.

Goffin's are just as affectionate as their cockatoo brothers and sisters however they tend to be less dependent on their owners for their happiness. This little clown loves to play and can be entertained for hours with a few excellent toys and a loving and caring owner.

They’re incredibly active and an ideal Goffin's owner will be able to spend an abundance of time with their owners outside of their cage.

This time can be spent training, playing, and snuggling. They’re very smart and while they’re not known for their talking skills, they can learn a few words and many fun tricks. Though training isn’t just for tricks. Training is important for these wily little birds because they can be prone to behavior problems.

Goffin Cockatoos can be quite loud and will screech when they’re unhappy. Unhappiness may stem from poor health. It may also stem from boredom, jealousy, or stress and fear. Target training early on will teach your Cockatoo to trust you, it will keep their sharp minds stimulated, and it will teach them the rules of the house. That being said, Goffin Cockatoos are naturally noisy birds. If you can’t handle the noise, don’t get a Goffin. There are other bird species that are quieter and may be better suited to your needs and lifestyle.

What makes a Goffin different from other cockatoos?

We already talked about the fact that the Goffin is the smallest of the Cockatoo species, maxing out at about 9 inches in length. Their feathers are primarily white and often have a tinge of peach coloring between their beak and eyes and their crest and neck also have the pink tinged feathers. On their wings and tail feathers you’ll see a yellowish coloring. They have a pale grey beak and black eyes.

They’re native to the Tenimber islands of Indonesia and are also known as the Tanimbar Cockatoo. Due to deforestation their numbers are dwindling and they are listed as Near Threatened by conservationists.

Taking a Goffin Home

Goffins are extremely acrobatic and will appreciate perches and play areas outside of their cage to ‘hang out’ on. An ideal environment for your Goffin will consist of a large cage with PLENTY of toys, several hours outside of the cage every day, and a healthy and trusting bond with their owner. They’re loyal and affectionate, which can cause issues during adolescence, and demand the opportunity to be the center of your world for at least part of every day.

Your Goffin loves to chew. If you don’t give them toys to chew on, both inside and outside of the cage, then they’ll chew on their feathers, they’ll chew on your furniture, and they’ll chew on you. Be prepared for some behavior problems as they reach maturity. These problems can be handled by training your bird, giving them plenty of time and attention, toys to occupy them, and an optimal environment including a good diet and plenty of sleep.

These little guys live to be about 40 years old and there’s nothing better than a good beginning to make the teenage years go more smoothly. Like any teenager, they can be moody, they can sneak out, and they can be so loud you forget what silence sounds like.

A firm but loving hand, communicated through proper training, will set you and your Goffin up for a successful and happy life together. So if you happen to be in those teenage years and are pulling your hair out with frustrations Birdtricks.com is here to show you how to tame your little monster.