Well you know birds can be moody. My Emmy is sweet as sugar when she wants to be. But she bit the fire out of me a couple days ago for no reason - just had a bad day... but then we all have them. Swee'pea was a lot like Kiwi when I first got him. He was (and to some degree, still is) very cage bound. He still doesn't like anyone but his mama to touch him. I say this because Swee'pea turned 3 years old last November. I got him when he was about 6 months old. These days, he is the most loving bird (to me anyway), but it has taken a long time. Lots and LOTS of time spent talking to him, petting him while he sits in his cage (if he doesnt want to come out)... trying to be as non-threatening as possible. No fast movements, no loud noises at all (those scare him to death)... hes a pretty flighty bird. Every little thing scares him, and when he's scared, his first reaction is to bite.

There could be a couple things going on with Kiwi. One, he could just be going through the terrible twos.... if that's the case, you have nothing but time on your side .. don't give up, keep talking to him patiently, sweetly in a soft voice (never raise your voice to him, just firmly tell him no if he misbehaves), and pet him and hold him as you can... be persistent, but know when to back up. Terrible twos are hormonal, and birds just get moody. Just like little kids do.

It could also be that he's afraid. The neutral room I mentioned could help, but sloooooooooow movements and very soft talking till he gets comfortable with you will help this as well. The best advice I can tell you about taking him out... when he's out and being very good... dont keep him out too long. I know its instinct to keep him out as long as possible when he's not biting .. but maybe he's training YOU that the only way he gets to go back to his cage is if he bites. Maybe? Next time he's doing well.. give him some praises and put him back after a short time. Then the next time and the time after, he will know that he can go back to his cage in just a few minutes, and that he won't have to bite you to get there

The day that Swee'pea stepped up on my finger without being coaxed was a great day for me. It was a long time coming though. There are still days that he wants nothing to do with me. When those days come, I just try to give him a little space, but always keep talking sweet to him and play with him as much as he will let me.

Birds will show you their moods.... if they're excited (either in a good or bad way) many times they'll fluff their feathers. But you can always tell when a bird is really excited by watching their pupils... their pupils dialate (I spelled that wrong ) quickly.. large to small and back to large again. When they're excited and when they're learning a new word (at least mine do) this happens. Just watch him when you're talking to him. You can usually tell if he's getting wound up to bite by watchin his behavior ... If you see signs of him getting agitated or excited, put him down for a while...

There's no quick fix or easy answer... but dont give up on him! Some birds are more affectionate than others, but they're all darlings. And remember that birds are as smart as a 5 year old child, but have the emotional intelligence of a 2 year old... which means theyre either REALLY smart 2 year olds, or REALLY moody 5 year olds - either way, they're a handful ....

Wish I could tell you more.. but the key is patience. And dont be discouraged if Kiwi has moody days. If my husband gave up on me because of moody days, we'd be divorced by now!

Take care,
Kathy