Trust.... It's a 2 way street

[Kiwibird]

Too often we place too much emphasis on earning our birds trust while not focusing so much on them earning ours. Kiwi has really made leaps and bounds behaviorally and EARNED himself a new privilege. I thought I would share some photos I was not sure he would ever be a bird trustworthy enough to ride on my shoulder being he has bit my face in the past (though not while on my shoulder). BUT, since he has really been showing his trust in me lately by letting me kiss his head+back and preening my head, I thought I'd reciprocate and show him I also trust him too. He seemed very happy to have the privilege, and no blood was shed

(I sometimes forget about just how big he is! Not fat, just overall a big boy!)

Kisses for mommy!

Checking for hawks (there were none, but you know, we have to check anyways)

Preening my head (Thanks for trusting me mommy!)

LOVE this guy!

 

[Kyoto]

awww how sweet He looks really happy to be with you like that.

 

[Ann333]

Awww. I'm so glad he's earning your trust! He looks very pleased!

 

[labell]

What a long way you both have come in your relationship...what a wonderful moment, gave me goosebumps, thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[JerseyWendy]

WOW! More awesome pictures!! The last one is worth a million words. "That" guy loves you, too, no doubt about it.

 

[Christinenc2000]

You really need to frame that last picture. Amazing bond there.
Great pictures !!

 

[Flboy]

So so awesome! And since everyone was drooling over your guys shoot, you just lite the fire for the rest of us!

 

[witchbaby]

I'm glad to hear Kiwi's been doing his part to bring you two closer. Those are some great photos!

 

[RavensGryf]

Yay great to hear! Good boy Kiwi you've come such a long way. Great pics too!

 

[Pinkbirdy]

WOW!!! Great pictures My favorite [the 5th]

 

[GreatBlue320]

Really wonderful photos. Seeing the trust you both have earned with each other is truly inspiring.

 

[henpecked]

Congrats. Most members don't remember the issues you've had. It's so great that you have shown that a bit of caring can make such a huge difference. I have a well socialized hen who can be friends with many different folks. The biggest favour you can do is to expose them to to the world around them. You've done an excellent job. it's it great to reap whose rewards.

Socialize,socialize, socialize.The effort you have invested will insure his well being beyond you. Well done.

 

[Allee]

Fantastic photos, April! The bond you have with Kiwi is priceless, and knowing how far he has come makes it even better. Thank you for sharing your special journey.

 

[Birdman666]

Very true...

Trust is earned by being trusting AND TRUSTWORTHY...

Trust is one of those things, if you can't give it, you don't get it...

Abuse that trust, and you lose the privileges that come with it.

And that is just TRUE on so many levels, not just in dealing with our parrots.

 

[KevH]

Kiwi there amazing pictures aren't you scared in case he gets spooked and flies off or is he clipped

 

[Birdman666]

Congrats. Most members don't remember the issues you've had. It's so great that you have shown that a bit of caring can make such a huge difference. I have a well socialized hen who can be friends with many different folks. The biggest favour you can do is to expose them to to the world around them. You've done an excellent job. it's it great to reap whose rewards.

Socialize,socialize, socialize.The effort you have invested will insure his well being beyond you. Well done.

Can't possibly agree with this enough... and your reward for this is the interaction factor, friendliness, and bonding goes through the roof!

 

[Kiwibird]

Kiwi there amazing pictures aren't you scared in case he gets spooked and flies off or is he clipped

He is clipped and never learned to fly, but he's also been coming outdoors for a LONG time (since maybe a year after we got him). He also doesn't scare easily. There is, of course, always a risk and each owner has to make the decision whether or not coming outdoors 'free' is right for their birds or a risk they are willing to take. Though, I'm personally in the camp of thinking that it's one of the best things you can do for a (trained, bonded and startle-trained) bird.

 

[Anansi]

Such a wonderful sight. Kiwi earning his shoulder privileges after such a major setback is a huge milestone! Congratulations, April! And thank you for sharing that moment with us.

 

[Giggleagain]

What beautiful photos Kiwibird, and what a wonderful moment! I need to read about the road you traveled from the moment you got your baby, until you felt he was ready for your shoulder. I'm sure I will learn a lot of things I need to know!

 

[Kiwibird]

What beautiful photos Kiwibird, and what a wonderful moment! I need to read about the road you traveled from the moment you got your baby, until you felt he was ready for your shoulder. I'm sure I will learn a lot of things I need to know!

Thank you

Actually, we had already had Kiwi for a few years when I signed up here. Though I have learned a lot and changed a lot in how we feed/interact with him after learning on this site!