Head Shaking

[macawlover]

I'm new to greys (I got Oscar, my CAG, about a month ago. He's 7 months old), and I've noticed that he shakes his head a lot, especially when I offer him food. None of my other birds have done this, so I was just wondering if it's something to worry about. I don't think so, and I think it's his way of saying no to something... Thanks for the advice!

[txbird]

Don't want to alarm you and it may not be the case at all, but head shaking could indicate ear, sinus, eye, choana, mouth, or crop infection so it might be a good idea to check with a Vet.

[Lisa's Tiki]

Riley does this when I offer her something she doesn't want to eat - like Nutriberries. She won't eat them! She will put her tongue on it as if to taste it and then she will shake her head as if to say YUCK! But when in doubt it's best to consult a vet.

[Sashagirl]

My 4 Greys do as well not everyday.They recently were vet checked and she
didn't find anything wrong with them.But just to be on the safe side I would take your Grey to see your avian vet.

[macawlover]

Ok, thanks for the advice! I just won this free avian exam, so maybe I'll use it on him... I was planning on using it for my GW, though. I'll start by calling the vet, and then I'll bring him in if I need to.
He mainly shakes his head when I get really close to him (the breeder mentioned that he did the same thing when she got close), or if I offer him food, just like how Lisa's Tiki mentioned.

[Monica]

If you only notice the head shaking due to a certain action (i.e. you trying to feed him food he doesn't want to eat), then I'd say yes, it's normal!

Noel does the head shake when she doesn't want to eat something I'm offering her... although sometimes I can win her over.

Charlie will do the "head shake" only when he has taken *MY* food, decides he doesn't like it, then flings the food away! Then repeats, by taking another bite from my food!

None of my other birds do this headshake except for maybe the tiels (although it is said that tiels may have sensitive ears)

[Lisa B]

Greys do tend to shake their heads more then other species. Its a quick jerk of the head. Its also used alot with certain tones....as if the tone is not pleasant and it bothers them.

[Bela]

That's interesting with the tones...when I would try to teach Bela a new word, she would yawn then shake her head multiple times followed by "helllloooo". She would do this when she was in "school' learning new words. I knew she was listening and days later she'd say the word....or atleast try.

[bekfreak]

Bella has tried to 'eat' the words on occassion but seeing she's picked up some really odd phrases...youtube video of this coming soon...I still wonder about that.

[macawlover]

wow, thanks for all of the responses! We just got back from vacation, and I can tell that Oscar's glad, because he's making all kinds of noises! I'll make sure to keep an eye on his head-shaking, though, just in case!