Beak clicking/grinding sound

Aaron1994

New member
Apr 20, 2012
14
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Canada, BC
Parrots
Not a parrot owner, but currently caring for a Java finch.
So just now, I put my hand in my java finches cage with his seed millet on my palm and kept it there in the center of his cage. He was just a mere 2-3 inches away from my hand and didn't come to take some but that is alright, instead he maintained his cool and just kept an interest intrigue on where my palm was. Than he started to make a clicking/grinding sound with his beak. I didn't really know what this meant, he didn't show any discomfort or anything but I still pulled my hand out about a minute later. I did some quick research on why birds make that clicking/grinding sound with their beaks. And read that it means they are content/comfortable and or happy. Is this true? I just need some added input on this, thank you!

~Aaron
 

anemonae

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Apr 22, 2012
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Seattle
Parrots
Senegal
My senegal does this when she is sleepy or I suppose happy and content. Usually its on my shoulder when were watchin tv at night time. Im not sure why he would choose to do it in the scenario you mentioned, but if there is one thing I know about birds its that they dont always follow the norm and have their own distinct personality's.
 

stephend

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Jun 7, 2011
432
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Denver
Parrots
Acorn - a Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure;
Bob - a Cockatiel;
Cricket - an American Budgie
I don't know if it's true of finches, but it is for parrots.
 

suebee

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Jan 13, 2011
2,394
3
my nut grinds when she is sleepy or content

but she also clicks her beak as a warning

she also grinds but a different kind when she is annoyed

i would take that as a *do you really want to leave your hand there?? kinda grind lol,

try tempting the finch to take from the bars, birds get funny about what they consider as there space, i would never put my hand into nuts cage, even with a treat, in fact i read her mood carefully before i clean her cage when she is about
 
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Aaron1994

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Apr 20, 2012
14
0
Canada, BC
Parrots
Not a parrot owner, but currently caring for a Java finch.
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Yeah maybe he was nervous, that is ok. There is plenty of time to make progress, no discouragement here can't change nature : )

I am in fact glad he chose to gently grind his beak rather than squawk and frantically chase around the cage.

~Aaron
 

Clueless

New member
Feb 14, 2012
78
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Missouri
Parrots
Secret & MC, two blue front amazons
When I first brought our rescued Amazons home - Secret would stand clenched tightly against the bars looking at me and her beak would chatter (similar to teeth chattering when we're cold). Broke my heart and I wanted to remove her and hold her to cuddle her (not wise/would have been bitten). Then the other parrot, MC, began doing it and I was afraid they were both terminal . . . . . (Obviously this happened prior to getting them in for their first vet visit in 30+ years).

Finally discovered that yes, it means they are content and happy - and they both do this at night prior to bedtime when the house is settling down. It makes me smile in the evening.
 

Beako_N_Kiwi

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Mar 28, 2012
163
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California
Parrots
Our Rescues:

Beako - age 22- Yellow Crowned Amazon

Kiwi - age 9 - Yellow Naped Amazon

Paco - age 28 - Yellow Naped/Yellow Crowned
I just asked this question not too long ago. My Amazon Kiwi (Who I've only had for a month) does this when I am singing to her, or talking a lot to her. I was hoping it meant something good like they were happy or excited, so I asked. Seems like that's most likely the case, but I notice her doing it when she could have been annoyed too!
 

aliray

New member
Jan 28, 2012
2,269
1
Rotonda West , Fla
Parrots
yellow sided green cheek conure,Chiquita Quaker parrot Sweetie Pie, African red bellied parrot Tiki, spanish timbrado canary Lucas
Aaron If the finch was afraid he would have been flying all over not sitting quietly on perch watching your hand and trying out how to get to the millet spray.finches are different than parrots but my guess is it was a comfortable sign. I would do that a couple of times a day at least and just hold your hand still with the treat on it and talk softley to him for 3 to 5 minutes each time. he will get more used to it as time goes on . alson unlike parrots a bite fron a java rice finch is no big deal unlike a parrot who can draw blood. You can actually tame wild birds by the same technique if you sit by the birdfeeder outside with treats in your hand. It takes longer but it can be done . Keep trying and do what you are doing your doing great. Alison and sweetie pie:D
 
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Aaron1994

New member
Apr 20, 2012
14
0
Canada, BC
Parrots
Not a parrot owner, but currently caring for a Java finch.
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Thanks Alison, that is very reassuring to read. In fact I tried a new method of gaining his trust. By leaving his cage door open and talk face to face in a relaxing manner..talking by peeping and whistling of course haha :54:

He hopped on the cage entrance and looked at me, at first I was really surprised since he jumped out on the entrance with me just 2 feet away by my computer. I accidently spooked him because I did not expect it. But I think he is ok with my presence now, just putting my hand near him is pushing it for now I figure.

Do you think I should let him fly around the room? I wonder if he will return. I really don't want to break our trust or harm him by capturing him with my hands or a net which I do not have :(
 

lene1949

New member
Sep 26, 2011
1,701
1
Brisbane, Australia
Parrots
Cory: Short billed Corella -
Echo: Galah -
Max: Alexandrine -
Skye: Yellow Sided conure -
Luka: Green Cheek Conure -
RIP Shrek: Quaker
I think it's amazing a finch communicating like this... Awesome...
 

aliray

New member
Jan 28, 2012
2,269
1
Rotonda West , Fla
Parrots
yellow sided green cheek conure,Chiquita Quaker parrot Sweetie Pie, African red bellied parrot Tiki, spanish timbrado canary Lucas
AArron I would wait three weeks but if he is already coming to the door like that I think it's he is already tamer than most finches and talking to him the way your are chirping back to him very good idea. You also do not need a net. just lightly toss a hand towel over him if he is on a solid surface such as a floor or desk . that will quiet him down then scoop him up in the towel with both hands take him back to the cage door and lte him come out of the towel and into his cage. That way he is not going to think your hands are bad because he can't see what your doing and there is less chance of injury. That last thing you want to do is scare him by chasing with a net. you don't want to break down the trust you are building. Alison and sweetie pie:D
 

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