Healthy and happy budgies can express themselves using body parts like wings, feathers, heads, and tails. These expressions will display behaviors that may seem odd but are normal and natural to birds. Each type of behavior has a different meaning, letting you know how your budgie feels.
The following are seven reasons why budgies tilt their heads when you talk to them and whether there is something to worry about with such behavior.
1. Curiosity
When a budgie wants to see something that has caught his attention, he will tilt his head sideways to get a better view. Thus, your budgie tilting his head as you talk to him means that he is engaged and wants to learn more about you.
2. Communication
Since budgies use body language to express themselves, your budgie tilting his head when you talk to him could signal that he is telling you something.
3. To See
Despite the broad field of view, the budgie usually has trouble seeing things directly in front of him due to his eyes’ positioning on the head’s sides. He can see you clearly as you talk to him by tilting his head to the side.
4. Looking Out for Predators and Food
Because birds are small, they are usually easy targets for predators. They must always be alert, even when looking for food on the ground. Your budgie will always tilt its head sideways while you talk to him, since he is also on the lookout for bird eaters as you interact.
5. Ear Infection
If a bacterial infection occurs in a budgie’s ear, the eardrum will become swollen and sometimes discharge. These infections can lead to a head tilt to the side. If such a situation occurs, you should take the budgie to the vet for examination and treatment to clear the infection.
6. Listening to Sounds
Wild budgies have excellent hearing abilities and can listen to sounds made by bugs or worms moving under the surface by tilting their heads. Like those in the wild, tamed budgies can display head-tilting behavior as they listen to the sounds you make when you talk to them.
7. Deficiency of Vitamin D3
Lack of exposure to sunlight in birds housed indoors, together with a seed-based diet that is low in calcium and high in phosphorous, can lead to the depletion of essential vitamins and minerals in birds.
This depletion of vitamins and minerals in birds can cause generalized body weakness and even head tilting. However, birds should be provided with supplements and have exposure to natural sunlight when possible to avoid this deficiency of Vitamin D3.
Bird Tilting Head Sideways
A bird tilting its head sideways can also indicate severe illness or trauma. This behavior can result from conditions such as:
1. Ataxia
Ataxia is a situation whereby a bird cannot coordinate its voluntary muscles, leading to the bird tilting its head sideways. Ataxia is a severe condition that can cause problems for the nervous system and needs to be addressed immediately by your vet.
2. Stargazing
This condition is characterized by a bird rolling its head from one side to another and is common in caged birds. It sometimes occurs when a bird has been moved from a large cage into a smaller enclosure, making it feel confined.
Nevertheless, by enlarging the cell, one can reverse the condition. Stargazing can also be caused by a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium.
3. Head Trauma
Head trauma is common in free-flying birds and is caused by accidents. Night frights and panic can lead to budgies flying into a window or ceiling fan or falling from their perches, resulting in head trauma.
Concussed Budgies usually display signs of head nodding, rolling, or tilting to one side.
4. A Tumor or Mass
Some growth in a bird’s head can lead to a head tilt to the side. Taking your budgie bird to the vet as soon as you notice such behavior is critical for ruling out any serious health issues.
5. A Build-Up of Fluids in the Head
A budgie can tilt its head due to fluid in the head. Earlier detection of the condition is essential for its treatment with medication before it gets serious.
6. Stressed Budgie Behavior
Like a human being, a budgie can experience stress for several reasons. Because they are sensitive and habitual creatures, a slight change in their routine or environment can induce stress.
As stress plays a significant role in a pet’s overall health, a budgie owner should learn to monitor stress levels and take action on time.
Stressed Budgie Behavior
The following are signs to watch out for in a stressed or sick budgie bird:
1. Loss of Appetite
Your budgie may stop eating enough of its food or become extra picky if stressed, resulting in weight loss and malnutrition. Thus, you must identify the stressors and remove them to let your budgie calm down.
2. Decreased Vocalization
A happy budgie chirps, chatters, sings, and whistles to express positive emotions. If the budgie starts to vocalize less suddenly, it may be unhappy, stressed, ill, or bored. It is advisable to have the pet examined to ensure there is no underlying medical cause.
3. Screaming
It is usual for birds to make loud noises; a sudden increase in screaming and screeching may indicate that a budgie is stressed or bored. Moreover, the veterinarian should thoroughly examine the patient to ensure he is not hiding any illness.
4. Feather Plucking
Birds usually pluck their feathers to groom themselves. It is also a common outward way to manifest stress and boredom in budgies. A vet should check for feather-picking because it is also a sign of mites.
5. Stereotypical Behaviours
Some budgies exhibit stress through repeating behaviors like pacing, toe-tapping, and head swinging to stimulate themselves due to boredom or find a way to escape.
Lastly, while taking care of budgies, one needs to note any slight changes in their behavior for quick action. Doing so will ensure that they are comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Related Articles
Why Do Budgies Ignore You? Six Reasons Explained!
How Long Does It Take for a Budgie to Trust You?