[Tara Rose]

From what I have read goffins can start 'puberty' as early as 20 months. Goofy will be 20 months in December. I'm wondering now that I am able to give him kisses what to avoid. I know there are certain things with male toos...like not petting under their wings and such. I have noticed him rolling around and backing up into one of his toys but its hard to tell if thats just play or if its the beginnings of something else I guess I'm just looking for tips...I think I might get lucky and have an easier time since he is already SO independant (given his situation), but I definitely don't want to unsuspectingly encourage any sexual behavior considering how weird toos are

Thanks in advance guys!

[Casey's Mom]

Bumping up for something with a 'Too!

[Animal Quackers]

Hi Tara!

Well...

Sunshine - the cockatoo is our care at the moment - has a "brother" named Daffy who went to live with a friend of mine about three months ago. I can tell you that Daffy is VERY aggressive to his female human!

Sunshine - in the past two days - has bitten me three times and TRIED several more. She is FINE with Mark (go figure!). I have seen her back up to a toy and rub her bottom on it, so I think she too is in the height of hormonal turmoil!

I have been reading a bit online - not just for me but for my friend with the VERY aggressive male cockatoo. There are some good links here:

http://en.allexperts...atoo-behave.htm

Good luck! I can tell you that my friend with Daffy is at her wits' end, and it has been really discouraging here the past two days, too!

[tikileahsmom]

HI Tara Rose,
I feel for you. LOL. I just read something not long ago that we should not pet them down the back. I really wish I could remember if this was a species specific tip., but either way, might want to avoid that. I would think kissing the beak is fine. just make sure you walk away if you see him displaying anything that seems sexual. he's young, so may as well learn now. I hope you can find some answers
tikileahsmom

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Hmmm, no putting under the wings, or down back, or fully body hugging. I believe that the best bet is just limit physical contact to stepping on and pets on the head. Poor too'! adolescence is really rough on them!

[Cosmo & Marti's Mom]

Well, they can get a bit unpredictable duing this time, will test their limits, which means biting usually. Definitely don't give them any "ideas" with petting an such. And definitley make sure they still know who's in charge that will help alot...

[Tara Rose]

Thanks for the info guys Havent seen any of this behavior yet..hopefully not soon!