Why do birds grind their beaks? - Paw Talk

**kittygurl823** · #1 10-02-2003, 12:36 AM

Does anyone really know why birdies do this? All my birds grind their beaks, I have read they do it before going to sleep, but don't exactly know why? Is it a calming method for them? Angel was doing it the other night, and it was all quiet and it gave us the chills ( like the nails down a chalkboard thing

).

Deja · #2 10-02-2003, 12:58 AM

Jackie - yes! They do it as they fall asleep. If your birds do it, rest assured they are happy and content, it's a sign of contentment. It also conditions their beaks. It's a self-stimulation behavior, kind of like a kid sucking their thumb- but it actually serves a purpose.
Let's you know they are happy, and keeps their beaks in good shape.
It's a weird grating sound though, I agree

My Cockatoo was the loudest beak grinder. Dante and Dweezil both do it, not as loud as Daphne- but - she was a much bigger bird.

**kittygurl823** · #3 10-02-2003, 02:45 AM

Deja-
Cool! That's what I suspected, they were happy and content, but I wasn't sure. Man, Angel's (too') is sooooo loud, lol! We didn't really notice it too much until it was really quiet in the room. Grinding away he goes.

My tiels' do it too, I think the keets' do,too, but it's not loud, b/c I can't hear it! lol.

Laurie · #4 10-02-2003, 07:16 AM

Yeah, mine does that too! I didn't know why though!

Jodi · #5 10-02-2003, 07:28 AM

Yup, Tob can wake up the house with his beak grinding!

Crittercall · #6 10-02-2003, 06:40 PM

Mine do it, too (not sure about Pip, she's so small). And this is associated with the noise thread elsewhere - one of my birds can make a noise that sounds just like someone clipping their nails. Haven't figured out yet which one does that.

rhowenna · #7 01-04-2009, 08:43 PM

From my research, my Conure does the same thing, it is a good sign of contentment and comfort.

I'm no Expert but I want to mention something that has been an issue in my home and I am sure many others....the Electronic "Plug it in and Never See Bugs Again" Device....Don't get one if you have a Bird. We can't hear that frequency but rest assured it will drive your Bird Batty!!! FYI!!!!

ArcadiaReptiles · #8 01-16-2009, 09:31 PM

yup beak grinding is the ultimate happy content sound. It was music to my ears when Charlie my rescued lutino started doing it(A bird that was locked in a dark bathroom covered 24/7) and in a house full of chain smokers. If he screamed for his mate that died they would kick the cage. so as you can see it made me extremely happy to hear the contented sound. He now has a mate again and even lets me put my hand in the cage without freaking out. I doubt he'll ever let me handle him but im ok with that. Hes a good bird and will have a happy full life here with us.

swedishfish · #9 01-17-2009, 10:14 AM

my lovebird do this every night after i cover her, it is a wierd sound, it haved give me the chills when i first getted her because but now i like it cause i knows it mean shes happy.