Goffins Cockatoo: Parrot Species Profile 2023
Species Overview
Also Known As: Goffins Cockatoo
Scientific Name: Tanimbar corella
Adult Size: 12.5 inches
Life Expectancy: 50-70 years
Is The Goffins Cockatoo a good pet?
- Social and very affectionate
- Create lots of laughter
- Very Intelligent
- Smaller then their other Cockatoo cousins
- They can be loud
- Demand a lot of attention
- Harder to get them to talk
- Not suited to apartment living
General Information
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.
Unlike other parrots, the Goffins should not be weaned before 12-14 weeks of age if raising them. 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.
What food do they eat?
Wild cockatoos forage all day for seeds and nuts, as well as coconuts and grain crops. Like all companion parrots, cockatoos do not thrive on birdseed alone. Cockatoo food shouldn’t be boring to eat, either, and will love foods like Avi-Cakes, Pellet-Berries, Nutri-Berries, and Premium Pellets.
Price
Goffins Cockatoos can be rescued, adopted, or purchased at verified organizations or adoption websites like Petfinder. Pricing ranges from $1000 to $2000 from breeders.
If you want to choose a breeder, make sure that the breeder is reputable by asking them how long they’ve been breeding and working with Cockatoos. Ask for a tour, but don’t be alarmed if you are unable to tour the facilities in which they keep the birds. Many reputable breeders opt to work under closed aviaries, which prevents diseases from infecting the flock.
How big is the Goffins Cockatoo?
Temperament
Goffins Cockatoos are beautiful and very friendly in nature. These birds love affection from their human family, so socializing with humans like all other parrot species is a must so they don’t become depressed, withdrawn and sullen.
Common Diseases
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.
