Beak clicking/grinding sound

[Aaron1994]

So just now, I put my hand in my java finches cage with his seed millet on my palm and kept it there in the center of his cage. He was just a mere 2-3 inches away from my hand and didn't come to take some but that is alright, instead he maintained his cool and just kept an interest intrigue on where my palm was. Than he started to make a clicking/grinding sound with his beak. I didn't really know what this meant, he didn't show any discomfort or anything but I still pulled my hand out about a minute later. I did some quick research on why birds make that clicking/grinding sound with their beaks. And read that it means they are content/comfortable and or happy. Is this true? I just need some added input on this, thank you!

~Aaron

 

[anemonae]

My senegal does this when she is sleepy or I suppose happy and content. Usually its on my shoulder when were watchin tv at night time. Im not sure why he would choose to do it in the scenario you mentioned, but if there is one thing I know about birds its that they dont always follow the norm and have their own distinct personality's.

 

[stephend]

I don't know if it's true of finches, but it is for parrots.

 

[suebee]

my nut grinds when she is sleepy or content

but she also clicks her beak as a warning

she also grinds but a different kind when she is annoyed

i would take that as a *do you really want to leave your hand there?? kinda grind lol,

try tempting the finch to take from the bars, birds get funny about what they consider as there space, i would never put my hand into nuts cage, even with a treat, in fact i read her mood carefully before i clean her cage when she is about

 

[Aaron1994]

Yeah maybe he was nervous, that is ok. There is plenty of time to make progress, no discouragement here can't change nature : )

I am in fact glad he chose to gently grind his beak rather than squawk and frantically chase around the cage.

~Aaron

 

[Clueless]

When I first brought our rescued Amazons home - Secret would stand clenched tightly against the bars looking at me and her beak would chatter (similar to teeth chattering when we're cold). Broke my heart and I wanted to remove her and hold her to cuddle her (not wise/would have been bitten). Then the other parrot, MC, began doing it and I was afraid they were both terminal . . . . . (Obviously this happened prior to getting them in for their first vet visit in 30+ years).

Finally discovered that yes, it means they are content and happy - and they both do this at night prior to bedtime when the house is settling down. It makes me smile in the evening.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

I just asked this question not too long ago. My Amazon Kiwi (Who I've only had for a month) does this when I am singing to her, or talking a lot to her. I was hoping it meant something good like they were happy or excited, so I asked. Seems like that's most likely the case, but I notice her doing it when she could have been annoyed too!

 

[aliray]

Aaron If the finch was afraid he would have been flying all over not sitting quietly on perch watching your hand and trying out how to get to the millet spray.finches are different than parrots but my guess is it was a comfortable sign. I would do that a couple of times a day at least and just hold your hand still with the treat on it and talk softley to him for 3 to 5 minutes each time. he will get more used to it as time goes on . alson unlike parrots a bite fron a java rice finch is no big deal unlike a parrot who can draw blood. You can actually tame wild birds by the same technique if you sit by the birdfeeder outside with treats in your hand. It takes longer but it can be done . Keep trying and do what you are doing your doing great. Alison and sweetie pie

 

[Aaron1994]

Thanks Alison, that is very reassuring to read. In fact I tried a new method of gaining his trust. By leaving his cage door open and talk face to face in a relaxing manner..talking by peeping and whistling of course haha :54:

He hopped on the cage entrance and looked at me, at first I was really surprised since he jumped out on the entrance with me just 2 feet away by my computer. I accidently spooked him because I did not expect it. But I think he is ok with my presence now, just putting my hand near him is pushing it for now I figure.

Do you think I should let him fly around the room? I wonder if he will return. I really don't want to break our trust or harm him by capturing him with my hands or a net which I do not have

 

[lene1949]

I think it's amazing a finch communicating like this... Awesome...

 

[aliray]

AArron I would wait three weeks but if he is already coming to the door like that I think it's he is already tamer than most finches and talking to him the way your are chirping back to him very good idea. You also do not need a net. just lightly toss a hand towel over him if he is on a solid surface such as a floor or desk . that will quiet him down then scoop him up in the towel with both hands take him back to the cage door and lte him come out of the towel and into his cage. That way he is not going to think your hands are bad because he can't see what your doing and there is less chance of injury. That last thing you want to do is scare him by chasing with a net. you don't want to break down the trust you are building. Alison and sweetie pie