If you are preparing your cockatiel for bed after playing or feeding, you may hear a slight sound coming from the cockatiel cage. This is a scratching sound for most cockatiels, although it can be a little noisier for some. If you are the first cockatiel owner, you will indeed feel worried and wonder, Why is my cockatiel grinding his beak? But, if he does this, do not worry. Cockatiels often grind their beaks, and this behavior is entirely normal.
Why Is My Cockatiel Grinding His Beak?
Why is my Cockatiel grinding his beak? Cockatiel usually grinds their beaks before going to sleep to show that they are happy, content, and relaxed. This sound is usually quiet and can sometimes sound strange or painful, but this is an entirely normal reaction when the bird is satisfied and happy with its surroundings.
Although grinding the beak can sometimes seem strange and scary, there is no reason you should worry about this because this is entirely normal behavior for cockatiels. Cockatiel usually grinds their beaks when they are satisfied or tired.
However, there is no need to panic or worry when doing this process. This is a perfectly normal sound from your bird, indicating that the cockatiel is comfortable or happy.
Some research shows that the sound of a grinding beak is an excellent way to help cockatiels keep their beaks nice and trim.
It can provide enough pressure to help the cockatiel trim its beak
and feel much better than other methods.
But for the most part, this will be done when the bird wants you to know that it is happy.
Let’s take a closer look at why cockatiel will grind their beaks and a few different reasons why they choose to make just this noise.
When Does a Cockatiel Grind Its Beak?
Cockatiels will usually grind their beaks before their bedtime period, although they can do this at any time of the day. When they spend some time with their owners, they may decide to grind the beak to show that they are happy and content when they have time to play to get food and get attention.
When your cockatiel falls asleep, it is not uncommon to move its beak from side to side, causing a grinding or scratching noise to notice it.
New cockatiel owners may be upset when they hear their bird makes this sound. But it’s not a big deal to do this.
Your cockatiel is happy and likely to fall asleep when it starts making this sound.
How Does My Cockatiel Make a Grinding Noise?
The grinding sound will be different for each cockatiel. For example, some cockatiel owners describe this sound as more than a scratching noise, while others see it as clicking.
You can hear it and guess that your cockatiel has seeds or other food stuck in its beak.
If you have checked the bird and are sure that nothing is stuck inside the beak, then this may mean that the cockatiel is getting ready for bed.
For those who have never heard the sound before, this sound is similar to when we scratch our nails on a rough surface.
Since the cockatiel’s beak is probably made of a similar material as human nails, this accurately describes the sound you hear.
It is unlikely that you will suddenly notice this sound or that the cockatiel will start making this noise.
This is a common cockatiel noise that starts early and is likely to continue to do so.
Next time when you put your cockatiel to sleep, take the time to notice that noise.
Some cockatiels do this loudly so that it is easy to spot them, while others will make it softer, so you really have to listen to them to notice.
Do Cockatiels Feel Pain When They Grind Their Beaks?
With how unusual this sound may seem, you may wonder if the cockatiel hurts when it decides to start grinding its beak.
The good news is that cockatiels will have no pain and that this sound of grinding the beak is something completely natural and normal for them, and they can do it every day.
If you hear your cockatiel making this sound, it is an excellent sign that they are content and happy, so there is no need to worry about anything.
The main reason why your cockatiel makes this noise is to show that they are happy and content with you.
Some do this before getting ready for bed when it is time to calm down at the night’s end. However, some studies show that cockatiels prevent their beaks from growing in this way.
Also, this grinding sound can be a way for the cockatiel to remove all the unwanted pieces there.
Although this grinding noise is usually a good sign for a cockatiel, it is not something to worry about. However, if you are panicking about how loud the sound is and how often they make it, it is time to talk to your veterinarian to help you.
See Also: Cockatiel Making Weird Noises: Possible Reasons & Solutions
How Often Should My Cockatiel Grind Its Beak?
Because your cockatiel grinds its beak most often when it is sleepy, then you can expect your cockatiel to grind its beak every day. However, if your cockatiel is playing a lot and needs a nice nap, you can expect it to start grinding its beak as soon as you put it back in its cage for bed. They will probably do this at the end of the day. As long as you pay attention to them and everything else they need to be happy, your cockatiel will start to grind its beak to relax and get ready for bed.
This signifies that you have given your cockatiel the love and attention they need.
Should I Give My Cockatiel Something To Grind Its Beak On?
If you are worried that your bird does this very often and want to give your cockatiel something to grind its beak, you can try giving it a cuttlebone. However, this is unnecessary because most cockatiels are grinding their teeth without having anything there.
Therefore the best option is to use a cuttlebone. A cuttlebone is an excellent treat for your cockatiel because it has many nutrients that it can use, such as calcium. Check this cuttlebone with holder on Amazon.
It is also an excellent tool for keeping your cockatiel beak nice and tidy.
Another good addition to a birdcage to use to solve this problem is the beak grinding stone. The beak-grinding stone may sound a little scary, but that is not true.
It is a nutrient-fill rough perch on which your cockatiel can sit but also they use it to grind its beak. Your cockatiel will want to rub its beak on the rough surface to prevent the beak from becoming too long and misshapen.
However, if you are considering getting a beak grinding stone for your cockatiel you can check this one on Amazon.
Your cockatiel will naturally try to keep its beak clean and trim, and this pleasant enjoyment will make your cockatiel happy and its beak healthy.
Should I Check To See if the Cockatiels Beak is Healthy?
Absolutely yes! It always is vital to make sure your cockatiel’s beak is healthy. There is also a good chance your bird will break its beak, although this grinding sound is not likely to do it. However, other things can cause problems.
Whether your cockatiel rubs its beak on a rough surface or uses a perch or cuttlebone, this can help trim its beak to make it look healthy.
Although most cockatiels can take action to keep their beak in line without growing too much, if you notice that your cockatiel’s beak looks too long, do not try to cut the beak yourself.
Cockatiels have a large blood supply that passes through the beak that you can damage. The best solution is to take your cockatiel to the vet to let them look over the beak and decide if there is a reason to worry about it.
Interestingly, many people think that cockatiels grind their beaks for the same reason that people grind their teeth, which is stress and anxiety. However, this is simply not the case. Instead, cockatiel grinds its beak for quite the opposite reason.
Hearing the Grinding Sound from Your Cockatiel
Although the sound of grinding can be a little strange and you may worry that it is terrible for the beak. But when the cockatiel grinds the beak, it is entirely normal, and it means they are happy, content, and a little sleepy.
They often do this to show their pleasure at bedtime. So, in conclusion, you do not have to worry too much that your cockatiel makes scratching noises at night. Instead, let your cockatiel enjoy making this sound to show how content they are with their life.
