Our persistence is paying off, Kiwi is finally being a nice boy!

[Kiwibird]

We adopted Kiwi over 5 years ago, and given his prior conditions, we have been very lenient with him so he could decide to become our friend on his own terms. We had worked through through his worst behavioral problems within 2 years of getting him, but he remained rather unfriendly (didn't want petting or to be touched besides stepping up, didn't voluntarily come close to us when out, seemed to ignore us when we talked to him ect...). For the longest time, he didn't seem interested in us whatsoever, despite us including him in all our meals and daily activities since a few days after we brought him home. About a year ago, he started interacting/engaging us more, but from a distance. I grew up with 3 very social parrots, so it was very shocking and sad to me that Kiwi just didn't seem to be coming around after several years in a loving home.

Within the past 2 months, he has suddenly started being more friendly with us. We haven't pushed him, he's made that choice himself. A few weeks ago, he started preening my husbands ear while he was on the back of the couch. A few days ago, he crawled up on, then sat on my leg voluntarily for the first time! Last night, I had him on the couch, and he started nuzzling the back of my neck then proceeded to start unbraiding my hair. I'm not going to push him right now, but I hope someday he will accept a scratch on the head or to be petted on a little. I'm not sure what happened, but he's overall seemed to be happier recently (we haven't changed anything). I can only hope it's been our persistence to make this bird feel safe, included and loved. I never imagined when we got him, it would take years to finally reach the "baby steps" stage of him being friendly. For those of you who have just adopted an older, neglected bird, don't give up! It can apparently take a good long time for them to decide they like you

 

[aliray]

That's fantastic sometimes the best things are worth waiting for. Congrats and you have the patience of a saint.

 

[SandyBee]

That's fantastic!
Not pushing him is what got him to trust you and now it's paying off!!
I'm sure he is going to be coming in for scritches soon. One thing Bosley really likes if I gently stroke his beak, I started one little touch at a time. Bosley's favorite place to be scritched is underneath the beak.

 

[Kiwibird]

It was like a gamble on what to do with poor Kiwi when we got him. He had been isolated for 10 years, and he continued isolating himself even after his living conditions improved. I'm sure we could have pushed him more, but I don't know if he ever would have actually liked us vs. just tolerated us. It took him a good long time, but it's just so nice he's warmed up to us of his own accord. If his positive changes continue, I may try petting his beak or feet soon to see what he thinks about that:09: Funny enough, we have towel trained him, and has no issue being wrapped up in a towel, but he lunges when you reach to pet him with your actual hand. I wonder if there is some way to transition him from being held in a towel to being held in bare hands? Anyways, thanks for your kind words and support!

 

[oled]

Fantastic what a lucky perrot having you