A first time for everything!

We rent a basement apartment, and the landlords have been having a lot of people over. Anyways, this afternoon Kiwi hunched down and started making his scared noises. At first I thought it was a deer or something, but couldn't for the life of me see what on earth he was so frightened of. There was nothing outside. After about 10 minutes of it, I decided to take him outside on my hand and show him there was absolutely nothing around to be afraid of. Well, it turns out it was just some of their guests sitting on the upper deck (how he saw them is BEYOND me, we can't see the upper deck through our window).

As a result, the most amazing thing happened I went to give him a kiss(on the beak, which is a 'reward' for him) to let him know he was safe and a brave boy, and he just leaned into my chest and accepted the first time EVER cuddle. I just never wanted to let my sweet little Kiwi go. He let me hug and pet on him for only a couple seconds, but it was probably one of the most rewarding moments with him. In the 6+ years since we got him, and despite everything I've tried in building trust, the bird has never let me touch his body unless I'm forcibly restraining him (for grooming) or extending his wing to clip it (neither of which are 'happy' moments for either of us). It may have been a fluke, but it reminded me for as much as he likes to lunge and bluff being nasty at times, when push comes to shove and he's genuinely scared, he trusts ME. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I feel honored to have Kiwi's trust as someone who will protect and love him I hope my boy makes a habit out of this (the cuddles, not the being scared)!

For all interested parties, this little sweetheart is all mine!

How awesome is that? Congrats!

That's great! What a gratifying feeling too.
One thing I've really noticed, is that you have been so unconditionally 100% there for Kiwi and loving him and going over the top for him no matter what. Even when it took a long time to gain his trust, then he preferred your husband, then he didn't like touching at all... Still, you were completely dedicated to him through the years.
April, I really have to tell you even if it sounds corny, but you and Kiwi (and your regard to all pets you have/had) are a huge inspiration to me! Personally I am working on this, as I've always had a bit of a struggle with feeling disappointed when I get a pet who's personality isn't quite what I'd hoped for. Although of course I do realize they're all individuals just like people.

Just to clarify for everyone reading this, I would NEVER neglect a pet just because of that. I take full responsibility for any animals well being that I choose to take into my home. I still care for them and give them love and attention and what they need to keep healthy and happy. What I'm pointing out is how April not only gives Kiwi what he needs to be happy, but from being familiar with her posts, I know that she goes way "above and beyond" for an animal whether they show her love in return or not. Now look how it payed off 6+ years later.
And thank you for being such an example and an inspiration

Thanks Julie! I don't know that Kiwi will ever become a "cuddle bug" or like me more than he does Joe, but it's little moments like that that prove to me he has been worth all the things I do for him

An animal's trust does feel good, doesn't it?

I just needed to hear this.
First, thinking about past birds and how I could have looked at it differently. Now currently with Raven my Bronze Wing. Not talking about training but just his inborn individual personality characteristics are no where near as personable and easy going as another Bronze Wing (Adrion) I had who passed away. Adrion was a totally different personality from Raven and was a very nice bird. I am working very hard on myself to really love Raven more. I mean I love him yes, but I guess I'm comparing to my Robin, and how lovable Adrion was. I OWE it to him to stop feeling disappointed that he doesn't like touching, or that he has a naturally strong personality, etc.

You're very capable, Julie! Just reading what you're saying makes me all warm and fuzzy that your babies have you

And April - oh, my, goodness! That picture is SO cute, and I can only imagine how amazing it felt to have Kiwi trust you so completely. Julie is spot on with your infinite love for him... you are indeed an excellent role model to ALL parronts - those who have hand fed babies, those who have gentle rescues, and especially those who choose to adopt a bird and love them so unconditionally despite the horrors and tragedies they have experienced and bring with them. It has been 6 years, but I can only imagine how the love between the two of you will exponentially grow

Thanks for being you! And thank you Kiwi for being so darn cute! Those little hearts just did me in. I totally squealed because it was so cute

Awwww!!!!! Isn't it amazing when you have one of those breakthrough moments?? It just goes to show exactly how much time, dedication and unconditional love it can take

I'm so happy for you, April, because I know that snuggle session means so much to you and I hope there will be more snuggle sessions down the road!

He is GORGEOUS! Kirby never lets me pet his body either (except at night for some reason) and once I took him in the shower with me, and he completely let me cuddle him. It was such a great moment!

RavensGryf said:

I just needed to hear this.
First, thinking about past birds and how I could have looked at it differently. Now currently with Raven my Bronze Wing. Not talking about training but just his inborn individual personality characteristics are no where near as personable and easy going as another Bronze Wing (Adrion) I had who passed away. Adrion was a totally different personality from Raven and was a very nice bird. I am working very hard on myself to really love Raven more. I mean I love him yes, but I guess I'm comparing to my Robin, and how lovable Adrion was. I OWE it to him to stop feeling disappointed that he doesn't like touching, or that he has a naturally strong personality, etc.

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I too was very disappointed when we first got Kiwi, he was not anything lil the 2 amazons I grew up around. Not even in the sense he needed some time to adjust, he's just an inherently different personality type. Personally, I just try to 'forget' everything I ever associated with amazons and look at him as an individual. Is he cuddly or necessarily one of those 'velcro' birds? Heck no, but he does make all these hilarious noises and is very smart and adept at figuring out ways to communicate his needs. He's also so independent.. When we were both working 9-5, we didn't worry about leaving Kiwi during the day because he could entertain himself so long as he had new toys. When you stop looking for particular characteristics, you start to see all the positives you never knew you'd love in a bird as an individual I'm *positive* Raven has some unique qualities that make him a very special bird and I'm equally as positive you will be able to find them if you just look

Awww he is so cute! I am glad he trusts you so much!

That's great I'm glad your hard work has paid off! I can't imagine being so patient and determined for so many years while being rebuffed. I would have been like fine then I'll eat all the goodies I made you while you look on and well you want new toys well too bad ask your favorite person why you asking me

Kiwibird said:

I too was very disappointed when we first got Kiwi, he was not anything lil the 2 amazons I grew up around. Not even in the sense he needed some time to adjust, he's just an inherently different personality type. Personally, I just try to 'forget' everything I ever associated with amazons and look at him as an individual. Is he cuddly or necessarily one of those 'velcro' birds? Heck no, but he does make all these hilarious noises and is very smart and adept at figuring out ways to communicate his needs. He's also so independent.. When we were both working 9-5, we didn't worry about leaving Kiwi during the day because he could entertain himself so long as he had new toys. When you stop looking for particular characteristics, you start to see all the positives you never knew you'd love in a bird as an individual I'm *positive* Raven has some unique qualities that make him a very special bird and I'm equally as positive you will be able to find them if you just look

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That's it, Raven also is just a different personality type than my other Pionus was, and different from other people's Pionuses! I need to remind myself that he has his own individual special personality

YES! I will look at the positive... Raven is very independent. When we are gone all day, he is completely happy playing with his many toys (he LOVES all kinds of toys) and is just fine entertaining himself like Kiwi did. He talks in such a cute voice, and it's hilariously adorable to hear him! He is SO smart. I can tell him something once, and he has a certain look or expression that lets me know he gets exactly what I'm telling him. It's almost like he literally understands English especially when I use hand gestures. Whether he agrees or not is another story! Also, he's just looks SO cute with his huge dark eyes... but in a bratty teenage boy sort of way lol.

Only a couple times ever, Raven let me touch him willingly. He was preening and massaging his own head like they do, and I reached over slowly, and he let me take over for maybe 30 seconds. Usually he will not tolerate petting or touching of any kind. I think he only let me do it because he was massaging his head with his foot by himself anyway haha.

My problem is (and always has been) I LOVE a hands on bird, so this is very difficult for me to restrain myself when I know how soft he is. Whenever I've had a bird who didn't like to be touched, I realize (now) that it was harder for me to feel as close to that bird as a touchable one. I will never get over feeling bad about this, but I have to admit I gave up on my very first parrot (cockatiel) and gave him away, but don't blame me now- this was 20 years ago!! I sure could have benefitted from a parrot forum, but they weren't around then. Hearing from others and seeing examples of unconditional love really helps put things into perspective. Right after the cockatiel I got my cuddly Robin. Oh, I feel so guilty to this day whenever I think back about it! :17: