Do baby lovebirds know the strength of their own beaks??

[Aya&Ponzu]

Just curious about this because my two lovebirds (not really babies, already 4 months old) love to groom each other but sometimes start screeching and squawking at each other whilst preening each other. I was wondering maybe they don't know the strength of their own beaks yet and so perhaps bites harder than intended? Sorry if this is stupid to ask but they seem to be getting along really well together but occasionally has these little anger bouts. Thanks!

 

[Zara]

Not stupid at all!

I think it also has to do with the feather stage of the one being preened more than the force of the other. Even when gentle, if they preen a newly growing feather, it is sensitive and the other can let out a high pitched eep! It still happens with my pairs who are older from time to time, though it happens much less than when they were new pairs, or babies. One of my pairs doesn't do it that I've heard (the pair in my profile pic).

So yes, partly they are learning how to preen, and partly, they preen a sensitive feather/quill.

 

[Aya&Ponzu]

Not stupid at all!

I think it also has to do with the feather stage of the one being preened more than the force of the other. Even when gentle, if they preen a newly growing feather, it is sensitive and the other can let out a high pitched eep! It still happens with my pairs who are older from time to time, though it happens much less than when they were new pairs, or babies. One of my pairs doesn't do it that I've heard (the pair in my profile pic).

So yes, partly they are learning how to preen, and partly, they preen a sensitive feather/quill.

Thank you so much!! Useful to know!!