Mouthing?

Hi, new here, new to parrots, though I've known several, and had smaller birds, including chickens.....
We brought home a ten year old Amazon, and he has a habit(?) I'm wondering about.
He constantly works his tongue, if he were a dog or cat I'd say he's got something in his throat he's trying to dislodge, but he does it pretty much non stop and eats, chatters, etc normally otherwise.
It's not beak grinding, at least not like I'd expect, more like he's got peanut butter on the roof of his mouth, and I'm concerned.

-Because I'm familiar with forums via cattle, the obligatory info: home 24 hours, pellet diet with no extra treats so far as we're all adjusting. He's settled very well already, though we don't know which of us is his preferred company yet. Only my husband and me.
He was purchased from a reputable pet store, was there 3 months after 2 month quarantine in a home. His customary spot in the store was the perch right by the door where he greeted customers. House temp is typical 70*, NE Oklahoma. His cage is 4x4x3, and he's been out perched next to us while e watch TV this evening. Everything seems fine. Just wondering about that mouthing. TIA

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Hello and welcome

It’s generally a good practice to get a new bird to a certified avian vet for a full check up, including blood work.

I’m not particularly concerned about the behavior you described, especially after just 1 day. BUT I defer my concern almost any day to anyone already attuned to livestock. I strongly recommend having the bird looked over by a certified avian vet, to include a full blood panel.

And of course, we here always demand obligatory pictures

Welcome to ParrotForum and thank you for joining!

I agree fully with my good friend above regarding quickly getting your Amazon into an Avian Medical Professional and if at all possible a CAV.

I'm guessing that your Amazon is holding its beak slightly open and as a result you can see the movement of the tongue. This could be nothing or the early signs of congestion of the air-sacks. With great care silent the house and sit as near to your Amazon as possible. What you are listening for is any clicking sounds. From an overall visual appearance, is your Amazon holding the wings slightly away from the body, and/or is s/he tail pumping. If you hear or see any of these additional issues, it a fast trip to your Avian Vet tomorrow morning!

All birds are very adapt at hiding an illness and being aware of something not being right is a strong reason for a fast trip to your Avian Medical Professional!

Reading:
At the top of the Amazon Subforum are two must read and re-read Threads that a filled with must know information regarding Amazons.
- Understanding Amazon Body Language! This is a must read for an Amazon owner as 'they expect' you to understand what they are telling you!!!
- I Love Amazons -, This Huge Thread contains a vast amount of information for loving and living with Amazons. It contains over 30 segments and is well worth your time to read.

Documentation:
Since you have just gotten this Amazon, please return to the well respected pet store and have them provide you everything they know about this Amazon. Most importantly, the age of the Amazon. Yes, they have stated 10 years, but as of January 1 2021, all Amazons five years and younger need specific documentation (Hatch Certificate). At a provable 10 years, your Amazon does not need it, but having documentation helps.

DNA Male: Such a Statement implies they Amazon has been DNA Sex Tested. That document should follow the Parrot, ask for it. Having a document helps as it has the date on it the DNA testing occurred with helps support the age of your Parrot. Also knowing the sex of your Amazon with help greatly 'when' you are rushing to the Vet with a very sick Parrot.FYI: You want a release of any Medical Documents from the pass owner to your Avian Professional. History helps.

Species: The Amazon family of Parrots is the largest in the World. Knowing the specific species of your Amazon is part of being able to define your Amazon.

I have a bird (Merlin) who looks like he is chewing something.
As you say it’s not beak grinding.
A couple of times I have stopped him because I thought he was chewing on no-no material and there was nothing there.

Typical beak grinding is supposedly ment to sharpen or enhance the ridges of the upper beak. I think what my bird is maybe sharpening the sides of his beak.

What species Amazon do you have?

Vet check up is a good idea

I was afraid it would be an indication of something respiratory.
NO LIFTED WINGS, FANNING TAIL, OR OTHER SIGNS OF BREATHING ISSUES.
I'd cleared the house of everything I can think of, ( I was fond of plug in air fresheners, its been a long while since I've had a bird in the house. But while we'd been talking about the purchase, we hadn't expected to make it so soon, so that was done RIGHT after we brought him home) but then it hit me that I'm still smelling something sharp...
CAT LITTER! scented cat litter I'm pretty sure should be on that list. I'd already bought a corn cob litter since it was cheaper than the stuff I've been unhappy with anyway. So I just changed the pan.
Fanned the doors a minute, and he's already not doing so much of that. Good grief I'm paranoid about everything now.

We have to make several changes here, I'm not one for heavy chemicals on a regular basis, I like vinegar, but I use bleach in the bathroom. A pan my daughter got me needs to go, gotta go back to my cast iron.
DH uses aerosol deodorant. He's already looking at switching our coated air fryer for stainless, and I read something about trash bags?
Can someone tell me if certain things are an absolute no, or are safe used in a separate part of the house? Nonstick cooking oil in aerosol can?

- I'll have to ask again about his papers, it was mentioned, but we didn't get them. Idk why.
DH fell in love with Ralphie immediately, (and Ralph has made it pretty clear already that he prefers him) it's a good match, but I think he missed something in the process.

I do have contact info for several avian vets and will be making him an apt.

Photographic proof attached, though he was already settled with a leg tucked under his fluff and not so appreciative of the light being turned on.


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Oh what a cutie!

I don’t know my Amazon species well, I’m guessing young blue front?

Don’t stress to much about the chemicals. Many of us practice reasonable risk management: if you use bleach make sure the bird is nowhere near you( and don’t let him in there for several hours.

I’ll use vinegar on stuff bird will be around immediately like the cage. But if I’m cleaning the kitchen and Parker isn’t near and won’t be near for. A good while, it’s honestly perfectly fine.

Does what your bird do look something like this.
[ame="https://youtu.be/pm9eOhh-Iao"]Breathing problem - YouTube[/ame]

This is a fair example of a bird having a breathing problem.

PTFE or teflon shows up in all sorts of unexpected places. The liners of microwave cooking bags. On some water proof garments, or stain resistant fabrics. like scotchguarded furniture. Coatings on anything with heating coils, like heaters, air fryers, crockpots, hairdryers etc ( deep research with the manufacturer needs to be done on those - NOT with a customer service geek, but a knowledgeable engineer ). Read more on my PTFE/Teflon thread in the general heath forum.


http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/88142-teflon-ptfe-non-stick-coatings-you-your-parrot.html

It appears you have a Blue-Fronted Amazon, likely from their mid to Southern Range.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons!

texsize said:

Does what your bird do look something like this.
Breathing problem - YouTube

This is a fair example of a bird having a breathing problem.

Click to expand...

No, I'd recognize that right away.
Is there a way to post video?
- it's as said above; he doesn't hold his beak completely closed(most of the time) and so I can see his tongue working, like he's got peanut butter on the roof of his mouth. Or like he's chewing a bit of soft food.

ETA : in any case, he's not doing it today. I'm pretty sure it was a reaction to lingering chemical products that should've been cleared before we met him.

But in my defense, we'd gone to meet a quaker, to show dh the different types and personalities of parrots, not to purchase.

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