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Question:

June 4, 2023

My bird quakes when I put my finger near its mouth


Hi, so I have a Sun Conure, she’s about 1 year old, and she quakes when I put my fingers near the sides of her beak. She isn’t aggressive, nor does she bite, she just quakes, or shakes. Her head just moves up and down really fast, like she’s regurgitating almost, but she’s never puked.


Answer:

Hi,

This is a feeding response and may be a baby bird response or the first hint of hormones. At her age, you are probably just triggering her baby bird feeding response. But either way, it is best not to encourage this because it could result in her trying to lay eggs while she is much too young Avoid touching the sides of her beak. If she still tries this response, divert her attention to a toy or an activity like foraging.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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