upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Jeb wrote:... I'm at the point where the solution seems to be to try to find a new home for him. ....he's a total attention hog, but I simply do not have the time, or inclination to make him important above all else.... The shreiking is AWFUL!!!!!! So I am looking for advice as to how to find a good home for Peaches...

Jeb, there is an organization in Maryland that might be able to rescue your family from the Goffin:

http://www.phoenixlanding.org/

Dont give up- keep that little birds cage packed with toys- shreeding things and brain teasers. Dont give in- Everything must be on your terms- think would you let your toddler scream and upset everyone? No- set rules and stick to them- ignore dont give attention when bad- only when good and calm, they do come around- My husband can back me on this. Our Goffin was almost put in shed, and I worked with her and with hubbys calmness we Now have a wonderful Goffin- she has her moments but nothing compared to the shreeking all day- 1/2 the night. Her situation was horrible and it has really made us determined to help make her Happy and Safe.

Is this an adult or a baby?

I think we all can relate to maturity or less of at times! I think its a stage- and who knows it could be like Ellie's past was abused and neglected and thats the only way they could get contact. To scream and be bad. So reward when he is sweet, cuddle- talk and walk around, and when screamming, walk away and ignore- for me black sheets till she calmed worked and then she loves to cover for night time. I always turn lights on early am and uncover, so she knows everyone is up. Has screamming really has cut down from 95% to 15% and I always let her out when cleanning cages and sometimes in evenings. Her cage is loaded with toys and perches of all different textures and sizes, she gets scrambled eggs with chesse every morning and likes to nibble people healthy foods.

Yep- Ellie would be happier if she was on me all day. I spend time but not exsessive, and I dont acknowledge her when she shreeks out for it. I love them and I know people cause alot of their behavioural problems. And re-homming is the hardest thing, but once through it, it makes it well worth the struggle. I keep Ellie's cage busy and every day I refresh cause Id get bored to if it was the same day in and day out. We go to parrot store and buy toys in bulk, and make them and switch them around. It helps and hopefully soon You will see a change in your Goffin as well. I know having other birds with her in the room has helped, but 1 thing baffles my husband and I. She has said " Hello Lori" since we got her- my name isnt used in house- hense Mom, or Sweetie- so how she learned my name is a mystery-and not previous owners name either. So they are extremly intelligent and just think a 5 yr old for life!