Why Does My Lovebird Bang His Beak?

Love birds are part of the parrot family and as such, are often called "pocket parrots." In the wild, love birds live in large flocks, and form permanent mating bonds in pairs. In a domesticated setting, these birds will, like most other parrots, call for their owner in various ways to gain affection or attention. Beak banging behavior has several causes, but all can be corrected with a bit of work and affection.

  1. Natural Instincts

    • One reason a lovebird may be tapping or banging its beak against the cage is because parrots use their beaks to explore their environment as well as eat, feed and groom. They are constantly trying things out, chewing, ringing and tapping their beaks against the toys they are provided to see what they can do or what sounds they make.

      Because it is in their nature to mate for life, lovebirds can also become heavily bonded with their caregivers. A bird who constantly bangs his beak may be attempting to communicate.

    Learned Behavior

    • A lovebird might have learned beak banging behavior in the past, particularly if it has had multiple owners. If the parrot has banged or tapped his beak against the cage before and that action was interpreted by a caregiver as a knocking to get out, your love bird might be sending the same message to you. A love bird can learn that "knocking" on her cage, like knocking on the door, leads to a door opening.

    Environmental Influences

    • While natural environmental exploration is expected, some parrots can become excessive in this behavior. If the lovebird does not have ready access to quality and stimulating toys, he may bang his beak out of frustration or boredom. Incorporating an out-of-cage routine with stimulating toys and quality interaction should reduce the amount of cage banging. Take a few moments to learn more about the lovebird's natural environment in Africa to see what may be missing from its captive habitat with you.

    Considerations

    • Because the beak of parrots is constantly growing and is constantly being used to find and eat food, move and carry things as well as preen and groom, birds are susceptible to beak irritation and itching. Consider making an appointment with a quality avian veterinarian to ensure that there are no other underlying health conditions that would result in unhealthily, repetitive beak banging behaviors. If there are no existing medical problems, consider what can be done to make the lovebird's environment more interesting and enjoyable.