Yawning in a Cockatiel

Cockatiels exhibit various behaviors that can give owners important clues about their bird's mood and health. Some behaviors, such as yawning, are ambiguous. Ambiguous behavior requires close observation by the owner to determine the behavior's true meaning. Yawning even a dozen times a day is usually no cause for concern with a cockatiel, even if it seems to be a new behavior. More than that, however, can indicate something is wrong with the bird.

  1. Yawning behavior in cockatiels

    • Cockatiels often stretch their necks and appear to be yawning. This is not unusual behavior and rarely cause for alarm. During grooming, a cockatiel can get small pieces of down stuck in its throat; while eating, food can catch in its throat. Cockatiels stretch their necks and yawn to clear their throats and crops of these particles of fluff or food.

    Significance of Yawning

    • When a cockatiel is kept exclusively indoors, yawning may be nothing more insidious than a sign that the bird needs fresh air. Yawning helps the bird take in more oxygen. When a bird continues to yawn and does not appear to be successful in clearing its crop, the bird may not have a feather in its throat after all. A cockatiel that yawns excessively may have a respiratory infection.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Check the bird's eyes and nostrils for discharge that may signal a respiratory infection.

      The first step the owner should take when unsure why the bird is yawning is to examine the cockatiel's environment. Try opening a window to give the bird fresh air or cleaning its cage more frequently to remove small particles of fluff that might be lodging in the bird's throat. Birds allowed free range of the home can come in contact with cleaning materials or other irritants. The cockatiel should be confined long enough for the owner to observe it more closely and determine whether the bird is sick.

    Significance

    • When excessive yawning persists or if other symptoms appear, such as wheezing, discharge from the eyes or a general loss in liveliness, consult a veterinarian who specializes in avian illnesses to rule out a respiratory infection or other type of infection. Keep track of how often the bird yawns and shakes its head. Look for signs that the bird is stressed by listening to the pitch of its voice and watching for changes in its appetite. Check the bird's droppings for obvious changes and listen to its breathing.

    Time Frame

    • Spend a few hours or a full day observing the bird's yawning behavior in conjunction with the bird's other behaviors. When a cockatiel exhibits symptoms of illness in addition to excessive yawning and stretching, consult a veterinarian who is experienced in avian health. Err on the side of caution. Consult an avian veterinarian if there is any doubt about the reasons for the bird's yawning.