Do you keep seeing your budgie opening its mouth? Is this a sign of illness or stress? In this article, we would like to discuss why budgies open their mouths frequently.
Why Does My Budgie Keep Opening Its Mouth? Your budgie is most likely stressed. Check for panting and other symptoms indicating illness or discomfort. Sometimes there is something stuck in the throat or the area is sore.
What Does It Mean When Your Budgie Keeps Opening Its Mouth?
There are different reasons why your budgie is opening its mouth. Most of these factors are attributed to stress.
- panting
- fear
- illness
- sore throat
- mucus build-up
- yawning
- something is stuck
- exhaustion
- overheating
Panting is common for a budgie in fear. Their hearts are sensitive and a sudden jolt from loud noises or not being adjusted yet to a new situation might lead to more panting.
There are multiple illnesses that can be coupled with their mouths opening frequently. Sometimes a budgie just yawns when they are tired or excited. If they were preening and some debris or part of their feathers got stuck in their throats, you will see their mouths opening.
Hopefully the temperature is not too humid or warm. You budgie wants to take in more air during this time with an open mouth.
Is My Budgie Tired?
If you allow your budgie to fly around, you may notice its tongue moving up and down or panting. When the climate is humid or dry, this will happen more frequently.
A tired budgie knows how to pant to calm themselves while opening their mouths to take in more air. Make sure your budgie isn’t scared of something that is causing stress.
If something happened during play or flight times, then your budgie might have to open its mouth to try and relax. Panting, moving the tongue or moving up and down might also help to take in more oxygen when your budgie is tired.
Is Something Stuck In My Budgie’s Throat?
Sometimes you will notice your budgie opening its mouth because something is stuck. It could be:
- debris
- food
- feathers
- mucus
Budgies nibble on branches, leaves or any material nearby. We hope to not allow them near anything toxic or things that are easily crushed into small pieces if these materials are not meant to be ingested.
Sometimes the food gets stuck, but it can be regurgitated back up naturally. The feathers get stuck during preening. If there is too much mucus buildup, you may need to visit the avian vet if their mouths stay open for long periods of time.
You may notice your budgie doing the following actions when something is stuck:
- shrilling
- screeching
- regurgitating
- lowering its head
- bobbing
- moving the tongue
Budgies can dislocate their jaw to help open their mouths further when something is stuck. Unless you see your budgie is desperate need, allow them to take care of this naturally on their own.
Why Does My Bird Keep Opening And Closing His Mouth?
The main reason being stress can be connected to fear, hunger or discomfort. Sometimes the reason for their mouths opening and closing is natural and simple.
Your budgie could be adjusting its crop. This thin-walled pouch is located under the esophagus where food is temporarily stored before if reaches the stomach. This adjustment should be brief or else something more serious could be going on that needs professional assistance.
What Does It Mean When A Budgie Yawns?
If your budgie yawns briefly, it’s cute and natural. Sometimes your companion is excited to see you and interact with you. A yawn is a reaction to breathe deeper during times of exhaustion or excitement.
Usually it’s positive when followed by your vocal or physical affection. It should not be a sign of concern if this only happens during playtime or social time.
Does My Budgie Need to See a Vet?
You are the first responder. You may not be professionally trained, but your keen eye to observe your budgie’s regular tendencies makes you perfectly capable of noticing irregularities.
A change in behaviour that lasts longer than 24-48 hours should be addressed professionally. Stay calm and aware of any sudden changes in appetite, energy, droppings or mood.
What Are The Signs Of A Budgie Dying?
We hope that none of signs below become serious to the point of being fatal. Your budgie may survive hardships and recover. Look for the following signs:
- Sitting at the bottom of the cage
- Frequent open mouth breathing
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting
- Drooping head
- Discharge from nose and mouth
Please try to visit the avian vet when you notice discharge, vomiting or excessively runny droppings. Medications are available, but your assistance is also needed.
Conclusion
A budgie opens its mouth when it is panting or scared. Stress is displayed through multiple ways including the opening of the mouth for long periods of time.
Sometimes the issue is a simple as yawning during play or exciting moments with you. Other times, something is stuck and can be naturally cleared in a way that a budgie knows best. Our main job is to carefully observe.
Your concerns are always valid and should be taken seriously with inquisitive research or possibly the need to visit a vet if certain behaviours like opening of the mouth persists.
Thank you once again for stopping by at BudgieRealm.com. We hope you are able to view many of our articles that relate to your interest in keeping budgies healthy and happy. See you soon!
