Hatch Date: 2000

 

Pretzel is a 24-year-old male Goffin Cockatoo who has lived with one family all of his life. Pretzel loves to steal your food, dance and sing, and is a sucker for head scratches. Pretzel has always lived with dogs and other people and prefers to hang out on a shoulder over anywhere else - he will be sure to loudly tell you when he wants out of his cage or is ready for a treat.  

 

The past few years have been a little rough for Pretzel. Pretzel’s mom moved into a new home with her now husband and Pretzel was not a fan of the new living arrangements or the relationship. On top of that Pretzel has been diagnosed with atherosclerosis which he now takes medications for - he lost two toes as a result before the diagnosis and before proper medication. He started feather plucking, and can get aggressive when he feels his favorite person is under threat. 

 

Pretzel had previously been on a seed and nut diet, but now he is eating primarily zuprees pellets. His mom has been working to incorporate veggies and fruits into his diet. So far, Pretzel isn't a fan of these. He will eat eggs, oatmeal, peanut butter, chickpea pasta, quinoa, and chicken.

 

Pretzel is not flighted. The family's vet recommended they keep his flight feathers clipped due to his aggressive behaviors.

 

P retzel loves things he can shred, like wooden blocks and paper bags and plates. While Pretzel had always been a relatively social bird, the changes in behavior that came with the move to the new house have caused a limit to social interactions, which is not helping Pretzel’s overall health. 

 

Pretzel needs a patient family that can spend quality time with him. He has been disease tested for psittacosis and PBFD.

 

 

 

Educating potential adopters and the public is essential to reducing the problem of unwanted birds being kept in captivity and providing those birds living in homes with the best lives possible.