Cockatiels are birds that display many behaviors, and sometimes it can be confusing to know whether the bird is normal or in pain. Cockatiel yawning may seem normal, but the question on board is, Why is my cockatiel opening and closing his mouth?

The following are 11 possible reasons why your cockatiel is opening and closing his mouth:

1. Insufficient Oxygen  

A cockatiel with a respiratory problem will likely open and close his mouth more often. This helps improve its breathing capacity, especially when it feels an oxygen shortage. This severe condition needs immediate treatment before it becomes fatal by suffocating your cockatiel to death.

2. Hunger

Usually, a baby cockatiel that is hungry will keep gaping. This is a way of communicating with his parents to feed him. Sometimes, this gaping can be accompanied by loud chirps to attract attention and seek immediate action. Once a baby’s cockatiel gaps, his parents immediately feed him using crop milk to fill his stomach.

3. Danger

Once you notice your cockatiel opening and closing its mouth regularly, it means it has seen a predator and is trying to threaten it before it comes nearer. Nonetheless, he is likely to scream for your attention if he becomes more scared of the predator or any other danger.

4. Adjusting Their Crop

When your cockatiel is too full, it opens and closes its mouth more often to adjust its crop. This process makes food move down the stomach for further digestion, especially when the crop is too full. This makes your cockatiel more comfortable as digestion takes place. You can also provide more water when you notice this behavior to soften your cockatiels crop, facilitating digestion.

5. Overheating

An overheating cockatiel will open and close his mouth to regulate his body temperature. Usually, it loses most heat when it opens its mouth; hence, it is a behavior that cools a bird when experiencing hyperthermia.

6. Dehydrated

When a cockatiel is dehydrated, it opens and closes its mouth to pant. Also, dehydration can be caused by excess heat and the consumption of salty foods. This means your bird needs some fresh water to quench his thirst.

7. Stretching Jaw Muscles

If your cockatiel feels like the jaw muscles are tired, it opens and closes its mouth to stretch the muscles and keep them in position for proper functioning. Stretching jaw muscles makes your cockatiel feel relaxed and comfortable while ingesting the different varieties of feeds you offer. However, if this behavior persists, consider having an avian vet check on him.

8. Lethargy

A tired cockatiel is likely to open and close his mouth more often. This shows he wants to rest due to tiredness, especially when he has had an active day. Ensure your cockatiel has a comfortable space to rest with minimum disturbances. Give him space to be alone before he starts being aggressive.

9. Something Is Stuck in the Throat

If your cockatiel ingests something big, it will likely be stuck in the throat, creating discomfort. Therefore, your cockatiel will open and close his mouth to make the big feed or object move down the stomach. This action is accurate enough, as it makes peristaltic movement easier.

10. Stress

If your cockatiel is stressed, it shows this character. This is a way of releasing their tension and calming themselves. Also, when he feels lonely and depressed, he opens and closes his mouth to entertain himself. Ensure you spend quality time with your cockatiel to know all the characters it portrays and their meaning.

11. Illness

A sick cockatiel will open and close his mouth more often to show he is unwell. Sometimes, these birds do not readily show their illness, but once they do, the infection is too severe for them to persevere. Always have a professional vet check your cockatiel to ensure a healthy status.

Is It Normal for a Cockatiel to Yawn?

It is very typical for a cockatiel to yawn. Usually, you will notice your cockatiel yawning when it is tired or too hot. Nonetheless, frequent yawning can indicate an abnormality that calls for attention since it can indicate insufficient oxygen or a respiratory infection. It is essential to closely monitor the behavior of your cockatiel to distinguish between normal and unusual behavior.

Why Is My Bird Sleeping with Mouth Open?

Your bird is sleeping with its mouth open due to the following six reasons:

1. Cool Down

One of the ways birds release excess heat from their bodies is by opening their mouths wide open. This sometimes looks like panting since birds do not have sweating glands to cool their bodies. Therefore, you can regulate the temperatures around your bird to help it cool off.

2. Dehydration

A bird suffering from dehydration is likely to sleep with its mouth open. This is one way of showing their thirst. You provide fresh water for your bird to hydrate and return to normal.

3. Experiencing Breathing Difficulties

If a bird feels deprived of sufficient oxygen, it sleeps with its mouth open to aid breathing. This can result from blocked cere and other respiratory organs. Also, other conditions like pneumonia can make your birds experience breathing difficulties.

4. Threatening Displays

Usually, if a bird senses its predators are nearby, it sleeps with its mouth open to display their threats. Also, this is a sign to show that they are alert. You can ensure their cages are secured enough to prevent any inconveniences caused by predators.

5. Feeding

Mother birds usually leave their mouths open when sleeping to feed their babies with crop milk. These birds regurgitate feed that they provide their young ones for stronger growth and development. Therefore, it is normal for a bird to sleep with its mouth open.

6. Pain

Sometimes, a bird can undergo severe illness or serious injuries that cause pain. This pain causes a bird to sleep with its mouth open to at least try to curb the situation. In this case, seek medical attention from a vet to prevent losing your bird.

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