Weird behavior maybe sick?

[edgarsmommy]

Weird behavior ?

Hi I have a 4 year old B&G Ive had him for about a month and a half now
I'm beginning to notice he's almost always licking the inside of his beak just moving his tongue around and then a little grind here and there...I'm not sure if this is a sign of respiratory problems or if hes just examining his own mouth. He doesn't really seem I'll other than that. the only other thing is he isnt talking as much as he did when he was at the pet store but I'm chalking that up to him adjusting to the new environment. I plan on calling the vet and getting him checked out anyways but I wanted to get some opinions while I wait for my appointment.

 

[edgarsmommy]

Also yes I know I should go to a avian vet, It really just occurred to me this might not be normal I've had other parrots and they've all had quirks so I just figured Edgar had his own too. Then I though "hmm this might not be normal and he does do it quite a bit but as I sit here and look over at his cage hes not doing it so I'm not sure.
I'm calling the vet in the morning just to be sure but I know it will be a few days before I can get in so I would just like some ideas or stories from anyone who has experienced this.

 

[MikeyTN]

At anytime your unsure, the avian vet would be your best bet to give you a peace of mind. But from what you've said, it sounds pretty normal to me with the licking, mine does it all the time. Do you have him out on a play stand? Play music for him and talk to him. He will start to talk for you again. Willie started yapping away within the first day being with me. Of course he picked me and he's always talking away.

 

[edgarsmommy]

Thanks I had another Macaw for pretty much my entire life but My mothe bought him in the 70s and he was abused and wild caught so he was never really your "typical" Macaw and after he passed away I got Edgar who's completely different so I worry a lot over things. His play stands on it way in the mail but he does come out and play with me most of the day. And its funny you mention music that's his absolute favorite thing he dances like crazy.

 

[edgarsmommy]

And Edgar picked me too funny how they do that ( I spent two weeks every day at the pet shop before I brought him home he would scream and fuss when I left) but the thing is he spent all 4 years of his life in a room with a bunch of other parrots and that's who he talked to mostly so coming here where he's the only one made him a little sad and less talkative I think. I mean He'll still talk for me just not as much or the same full vocabulary he had before.

 

[Parrotdise]

I think a trip to the vet is always a good idea when taking in a bird that is new to you. My Friends B & G does what you are explaining, they were told it might be a nervous habit, but i am not so sure on that Sam my RBP does that and he pretty much has no stress. I personally just think he likes how it feels when he is playing with his tongue. Birds do not have many taste buds, while we have around 9,000 taste buds they have up to 500 taste buds. Birds really go off of texture, which is why i believe this could be the reason some parrots like to play with their tongue and feel around. The Grinding of the beak can mean happiness or i am ready for bed/ birdie nap =).

 

[MikeyTN]

Willie picked me within less then 2 min of me being in their house and I've had him going on 10 years. He's 11 years old going on 12 in May. He used to fuss about me leaving the room but over the years he's been better about it. He LOVES my dogs to death!!!! He calls all their names and feed them his pellets. They love to watch tv too, but just be real careful what you let them watch, they can pick up on something you don't really want them to pick up if you know what I mean....lol.....

 

[edgarsmommy]

I think a trip to the vet is always a good idea when taking in a bird that is new to you. My Friends B & G does what you are explaining, they were told it might be a nervous habit, but i am not so sure on that Sam my RBP does that and he pretty much has no stress. I personally just think he likes how it feels when he is playing with his tongue. Birds do not have many taste buds, while we have around 9,000 taste buds they have up to 500 taste buds. Birds really go off of texture, which is why i believe this could be the reason some parrots like to play with their tongue and feel around. The Grinding of the beak can mean happiness or i am ready for bed/ birdie nap =).

That what I'm hoping I mean he shows no other signs of stress or illness and hes not keeping his mouth open while sleeping or bobbing his tail I haven't heard any raspy breathing either. I'm just about the biggest worrier there is like if my cat sneezed I'd be convinced their sick ahah.

 

[edgarsmommy]

Willie picked me within less then 2 min of me being in their house and I've had him going on 10 years. He's 11 years old going on 12 in May. He used to fuss about me leaving the room but over the years he's been better about it. He LOVES my dogs to death!!!! He calls all their names and feed them his pellets. They love to watch tv too, but just be real careful what you let them watch, they can pick up on something you don't really want them to pick up if you know what I mean....lol.....

When I walked into the pet store there was another BG next to Edgar who I was talking to first and there was Edgar dancing and showing off trying to get attention from me I think we've been friends ever since. ahah. and My dogs are scared of Ed because I think they are convinced he my BG that passed away who was always mean to them its hilarious watching a 100lb blood hound run from a bird poor Ed just want to play.

 

[MikeyTN]

Willie watch the dogs grew up as pups and the dogs knows what Willie can do with his beak but they like to give him kisses. The dogs knows who feeds them treats. LoL....I think Willie would be very sad when the day comes as the dogs are getting older as two of them are approaching 10 years old, it's starting to scare me a bit as I'm trying to be emotionally prepared for it when the day comes....My birds feel my emotions, when one of my birds that I raised as a baby died in my hand after being mauled by a dog, my birds knows I was quite sad, it took me a long time to dig my way out. I'm too emotional to keep animals that can't live past me I think....

 

[edgarsmommy]

Willie watch the dogs grew up as pups and the dogs knows what Willie can do with his beak but they like to give him kisses. The dogs knows who feeds them treats. LoL....I think Willie would be very sad when the day comes as the dogs are getting older as two of them are approaching 10 years old, it's starting to scare me a bit as I'm trying to be emotionally prepared for it when the day comes....My birds feel my emotions, when one of my birds that I raised as a baby died in my hand after being mauled by a dog, my birds knows I was quite sad, it took me a long time to dig my way out. I'm too emotional to keep animals that can't live past me I think....

That just broke my heart. especially because I know that feeling I had the same happen with a kitten. That's why parrots are so great because they live so long. and don't worry about your dogs just yet they may surprise you

 

[MikeyTN]

My first husky died at 12 years old, second died at 7 months old (from eating a rock and she died from shock, I was out of town and she was under someone else's care while I was gone, it broke my heart), 3rd & 4th were sisters and I had to find a home for the 4th one as she was too hard to train while she is with her sister as she needed to be the only dog so she went to a good home(3rd one I have no idea as my ex kept her and won't let her go with me), now I am on my 5th and 6th husky along with a chihuahua. Alexis the husky and Bucky the Chihuahua is almost 10 years old while Rocco is almost 6 years old. Alexis was the only one we went to buy as Bucky was given to us because he was under poor treatment. Rocco was ill so he was babied for over a year. Then the two kitties we rescued from outside and they're 3 years old going on 4 in August. Fiyero was just a tiny kitten when we took him in starving to death stuck in a tree crying for days from what the neighbors told us. I climbed up the tree and eventually had to use a water gun to get him down, he kept going higher. Pearl was about 4-5 months old when we found her, I kneeled down and she came right to me. She was very sick too and after numerous vet visits she got all better. So we figured we give them the same month birthday as they were practically the same age. So yes I'm a sucker for animals that needs help. But our doors is closed down as we're full and they keep us very busy with feeding and cleaning. Plus their feed is expensive, plus all the vet visits....Can you say sucker? LoL....I won't even go into my birds as some came from horrible conditions....

 

[edgarsmommy]

My first husky died at 12 years old, second died at 7 months old (from eating a rock and she died from shock, I was out of town and she was under someone else's care while I was gone, it broke my heart), 3rd & 4th were sisters and I had to find a home for the 4th one as she was too hard to train while she is with her sister as she needed to be the only dog so she went to a good home(3rd one I have no idea as my ex kept her and won't let her go with me), now I am on my 5th and 6th husky along with a chihuahua. Alexis the husky and Bucky the Chihuahua is almost 10 years old while Rocco is almost 6 years old. Alexis was the only one we went to buy as Bucky was given to us because he was under poor treatment. Rocco was ill so he was babied for over a year. Then the two kitties we rescued from outside and they're 3 years old going on 4 in August. Fiyero was just a tiny kitten when we took him in starving to death stuck in a tree crying for days from what the neighbors told us. I climbed up the tree and eventually had to use a water gun to get him down, he kept going higher. Pearl was about 4-5 months old when we found her, I kneeled down and she came right to me. She was very sick too and after numerous vet visits she got all better. So we figured we give them the same month birthday as they were practically the same age. So yes I'm a sucker for animals that needs help. But our doors is closed down as we're full and they keep us very busy with feeding and cleaning. Plus their feed is expensive, plus all the vet visits....Can you say sucker? LoL....I won't even go into my birds as some came from horrible conditions....

I was wondering about the Black lory though I've wanted one forever and cant find any. also you got any advice Edgar refuses to use his cuttle bone he just licks it gets disgusted and walks away. but I know he needs something idk what to do.( sorry I worry about everything)

 

[MikeyTN]

Malachai the black lory is a messy messy bird!!!!! They make so much mess that you wouldn't believe.

I would not worry about the cuttle bone as long as your feeding a premium diet such as pellets, fruits and veggies you really don't have to worry about it. Willie my macaw never touch the mineral block nor cuttle bone.