Hi Kiwi I'm glad to hear you're working with your little guy. It takes the patience of Job sometimes, but you have to keep it up. The worst mistake some ppl make is to try to give the bird "space" when it starts acting up, but actually what they do is not spend enough time with him. Sometimes birds need space just like we do, but dont let him drive you off, because he's training you if you do that.. not the other way around .

Yes, I do have birds. Four of them in fact. Emmy, a Severe Macaw; Swee'pea, a Blue-Crowned Conure; PrettyBoy, a Nandy Conure; and Peppy, a Cockateil. They are my babies . I adopted the last two to give them a good home when someone else didnt have time for them. Purchasing a bird, like any pet, is a big decision. Birds take a lot more time than many other pets - they're definitely high maintenance pets, but they are the most rewarding pets - affectionate and beautiful. Plus, I always point out to my friends that they're the only animal in the animal kingdom who can learn to speak our language so, you have to learn theirs too. Pay attention to Kiwi and what he's telling you. Give him space when he needs it, but don't stay away long. Always talk to him when he's in the room with you. It will take him time, maybe, but once he warms up to you theres not a better companion on the planet.

One other thing you might try... Kiwi might feel safer in his cage, and thats why he gets nippy when he's out. Try taking him to a neutral room with no other distractions - out of sight of his cage. He will probably still bite but as time goes on, he'll begin to feel more comfortable and not feel like he has to "escape" back to his cage all the time... my Swee'pea loves his cage and is afraid of everything else... but if I take him out of sight of his cage he's a lot more calm. But dont forget the neutral room has to be a quiet place with no distractions - not even radio or tv.. just the two of you so he can get used to you.

I'm certainly not an expert in the field, but having been owned by birds for going on four years now has made me learn some of the do's and don'ts... if you have any more questions, I'll be happy to answer what I can. I would also recommend you subscribe to, or pick up a copy of, Bird Talk magazine (www.BirdTalk.com) . Its a great source of information - it's been coming to my house as long as I've had my birds and every month I learn something new...

Hope this helps.
Kathy