Muttering/Scratchy Mouth Movements

[Aaron.C]

Hello,

I'm a new owner of a cockatiel (Sasha) and shes actually pretty cool. I was not sure what to expect and so far after a couple of days, I've noticed she loves cuddles and nudges on my cheek and sticks her head in my ear when she relaxes on my shoulder when i work at the computer. Seems to be very compassionate which was a surprise to me (Not a bad surprise) as i thought birds just did their own thing, The only thing i am kind of wondering about is when she is in her own space during the day and listening to some soft music she moves her mouth a lot like shes talking but i can hear scratchy muttering.

Is this behaviour normal? is she unhappy being by herself for those short periods?

One other thing, Sometimes she puffs up and has a little tremor, i may be overthinking it but not sure what this means.

 

[SumitaSinh]

she moves her mouth a lot like shes talking but i can hear scratchy muttering.

I think Sasha is grinding beak, which is perfectly fine. But, can you post a video?

 

[Aaron.C]

I think Sasha is grinding beak, which is perfectly fine. But, can you post a video?

When it happens ill try and grab a video, she sometimes does it in my ear. Sounds like whispering but.... Clicky whispering.

 

[Aaron.C]

I think Sasha is grinding beak, which is perfectly fine. But, can you post a video?

WOW i just searched up that term and watched videos. THAT'S EXACTLY what shes doing. What is the purpose of it?

 

[Shezbug]

Beak grinding is generally done when relaxing and feeling content.

 

[Aaron.C]

Beak grinding is generally done when relaxing and feeling content.

Awesome, Thanks so much.

 

[Parutti]

Welcome! It sounds like she's pretty darn happy so far I remember being totally amazed by my bird's beak grinding the first time I heard it; it's such a unique sound and I love it.

I've heard that ruffling all their feathers and kinda shaking their body like a wet dog is a way to relax/release tension, kind of like people sigh.