Goffin getting nippy

[Cheryl]

Dexter, our new Goffin, will be 1 year old in June. He is turning into a brat. He won't go into his cage without biting and he knows step up but refuses to do it. I try to make it fun and give snacks as positivie reinforcement but to no avail. Most time I just scoop him up and put him to bed. what am I doing wrong? My grey is cuddlier than him right now. He also won't stay put, whether it be on his tree, gym, whatever, he gets off and goes roaming. He has plenty of toys, new ones and old favorites. I really need some advice. Is it just him being a G2? I have had babies before but not like this.

[Dot]

He won't go into his cage without biting

I have a friend who started a game when her macaw started acting like that. They play "What is Kirb's favorite food." She then lists all of his favorite foods, including manila ice cream. For each one Kirby pins his eyes and says, "Em, good." She saves pine nuts for last. Then she says, "You know, Kirbs, I think there are some pine nuts in your cage. Do you want to go hunt for them?" He leans toward the cage ready to go hunt for pine nuts (which she earlier hid in the cage.) You might try something like that.

[birdie]

Dexter, our new Goffin, will be 1 year old in June. He is turning into a brat. He won't go into his cage without biting and he knows step up but refuses to do it. I try to make it fun and give snacks as positivie reinforcement but to no avail. Most time I just scoop him up and put him to bed. what am I doing wrong? My grey is cuddlier than him right now. He also won't stay put, whether it be on his tree, gym, whatever, he gets off and goes roaming. He has plenty of toys, new ones and old favorites. I really need some advice. Is it just him being a G2? I have had babies before but not like this.

hehehe sorry, couldn't resist. I have a G2 that is 3 and sounds like she acts much the same way. Is yours clipped? When I got Cassie 8 months ago she was clipped and hardly went anywhere. Now she is fully flighted and won't stay put for anything! and step up? HA! she knows how but will hunker down on where ever she is and HOLD ON!! She is very independant and BOSSY! I tend to think this is a trait of theirs, but I wouldn't trade her for anything! She's a doll!
TOOZ are known adventurers, both of mine are. I also have a U2. The rest of my birds will stay put, but not the TOOZ they are always into something, they keep me on my toes and I wouldn't change a thing.

[Cheryl]

I am glad to know this. He is nothing like my other birds, in fact, our LSC is better behaved then he is but the LSC is 30 years old. Glad to know this is normal behaviour, I really thought it was me. Thanks so much.

[FoxersArtist]

Most Goffins I have worked with are very stubborn like the one you are describing. They refuse to step up and look at you like "What did you expect?" I'm pretty sure that goffin's are the "cat" of the bird world - only they would be the kitty that was constantly hyped up on cap nip as they are usually going a mile a minute. It is unusual in my opinion, to expect any cockatoo to stay on a play gym or perch as they are just too busy to be confined. I'm pretty sure this is normal, and though some people have been able to train their birds to stay (secrets are welcome here) some will just do what they will do and need extra close supervision while out.

I think that it is important to give a bird with this type of attitude some boundaries and there should be a balance in the relationship so that you are not disrespected. All of this to say, don't let your bird walk on you. Just because he doesn't want to step up, doesn't mean you shouldn't step him up anyway. He still needs guidance just like a child who might throw a tantrum. I would be careful not to respond to the biting or reward it by allowing him to stay out of the cage because you got bit or don't want to get bit but it sounds like you are already doing the right thing. I thought Dot's suggestion to hide treats in his cage was fantastic...or...offer him a treat right before putting him back in his cage. If he has a giant nut in his beak he will likely not want to bite you when you go to step him down because he'll drop his prize.
-Anna

[Angelbaby]

It's funny that I just sat down with my comp after a battle with Angel. Also at times refuses to stay on playstand, wouldn't play ball with me and kept going after shoes, phone, climbing counters and especially Gobbles cage. I put music on to dance like always and he was not interested. Didn't even say "I love You" which is always said several times. I'm hurt tonight. He is in his cage as I type and he looks at me like, why am I in here? It's not time yet. So I cooked him a bit of sweet potato and I'll take him out again for some soft strokes before bed. He is not a screamer and just keeps looking at me with those big dark eyes. Hang in there, they are so human like that is scares me sometimes.

[Sandi & U2 Cody]

My U2 Cody is always trying to manipulate us. When he hears the word sleep, he runs and hides under the kitchen table or if on the couch, runs to hide behind me so my husband can't get him. Everything is a game, even when he is in the cage and we want to let him out, he clings onto the bars, and plays a game. I think that all toos are very much the same as always trying something new to get your attention!

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

Toos are a whole different ballgame. I'm sorry to have to tell you this but it's unlikely your too will ever stay put in one place for any length of time. My goffins is nippy right now too, I am putting this down to springtime behavior. They are a handful. They require alot of patience, understanding and sometimes creative problem solving. In return, you will get the most loyal, loving, cuddly friend the bird world can offer. Don't give up. Try to find new ways to occupy his time because the play gym isn't likely to do it. There are alot of too owners here and we will all be there to offer advice and support when you need it.

[Cheryl]

Thanks for all the advice. These toos aren't just a different bird, they are a whole new species. I can talk with/to my grey and I swear she understands and my too, he just bounces and wants to play. Definately, not like any of my other birds. We do love him tho. He is just so busy.

[too&me]

They are sometimes like a combination of ADD Hyperactive genius mechanics with a tad of control freak & show boater thrown in for good measure. Hang in there & try to stay one step ahead of him. With our U2 Harry I need to constantly change our routine and activities, toys too. He is easier to deal with if he is not certain what is next in our day. I do reward him with an Almond when he goes in the cage for the night it gives him something positive to look forward to. (sure it's not bribery)

[Cheryl]

You nailed it right on the head. that is exactly what they are like. LIfe is interesting with him.

[Patty, Linus and Co.]

Thanks for all the advice. These toos aren't just a different bird, they are a whole new species. I can talk with/to my grey and I swear she understands and my too, he just bounces and wants to play. Definately, not like any of my other birds. We do love him tho. He is just so busy.

Your too also 'gets it' when you talk to her. Your tone of voice can help control her mood. If my U2 sounds off I talk quietly while he's yelling and in no time he's matching my volume. Toos are REALLY smart.

[Jamieleigh]

Dexter, our new Goffin, will be 1 year old in June. He is turning into a brat. He won't go into his cage without biting and he knows step up but refuses to do it. I try to make it fun and give snacks as positivie reinforcement but to no avail. Most time I just scoop him up and put him to bed. what am I doing wrong? My grey is cuddlier than him right now. He also won't stay put, whether it be on his tree, gym, whatever, he gets off and goes roaming. He has plenty of toys, new ones and old favorites. I really need some advice. Is it just him being a G2? I have had babies before but not like this.

Hi Cheryl,

For your nippy bird that doesn't like going away, I would recommend target training (http://jamiesparrothelp.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/target-training/). Eventually, you can target your bird to wherever you want it to go, including its cage. You need to make sure that everytime your bird goes to its cage, it is a positive experience and it gets rewarded. It can't be that everytime it goes to its cage, it gets put away. What fun is that? So make sure during the training you target both to and away from your bird's cage.

Targeting will allow your bird to focus his nippy behavior on something that actually requires it! And it will keep you from being bitten in the process.

As for your bird that won't stay put I'd use clicker conditioning. Simply start with your bird on the perch and reward before he gets anxious, while he is calm. With this, you just keep extending the amount of time he has to stay put in that spot in order to get a reward. But be careful to not reward the anxious, gotta be moving behavior. Only reward a calm, content behavior.

It's also helpful to provide something to help entertain them in that spot like a foot toy.