Bird hole on neck

[Tishrei]

I've always wondered this. Under their chin, there's a hole. What is it's purpose? Second question, my bird just loves me to put my finger in it and tickle it. He tilts his head back and starts moaning when I do it when I stop, sometimes he nips me for he wants me to continue. Anybody else's bird love to have the hole under their neck tickled?

[ROYJOY]

do you mean right under the lower beak? i'll try it tonight.

[Tishrei]

Originally Posted by ROYJOY

do you mean right under the lower beak? i'll try it tonight.

Yeah, that's the hole I'm talking about. Ducky simply melts when I put my finger in it and tickle him there. He becomes putty!

[ROYJOY]

i can understand why, its not a place that is easily preened, but its so small on a conure, lovebird, and p'let, i dont think i can get a finger in there. i'l try something smaller.

[Whiskers]

If it's what I think you mean then Sakai ADORES it.

[jenseits]

oh wow, I've never heard of that. That's great. Unfortunately Stewie won't let my hands anywhere near him (he HATES being touched), or I'd go wake him up just to try it. What a hoot.

[birdsnreps]

actually, it feels like a hole, but the bottom of their beaks are connected to the soft, thin tissue on the bottoms of their mouths, right under their tongues. you can feel and see it easily with the larger birds. when i first felt it, i freaked out, i had never seen or heard anything about that spot, lol, but one thing's for sure, my birds love it when i rub them there!! they will close their eyes, fluff up, and rest the back of their head on their back just so you can rub them there

[Tishrei]

they will close their eyes, fluff up, and rest the back of their head on their back just so you can rub them there

That's exactly what Ducky does and if I stop too soon, he'll nip me. He just loves it. I'm always a bit scared when I do that because he's so delicate that I'm scared to hurt him.

[Nazir's]

I am going to try it. I too would like to know what that spot is called. I am sure there is some sort of medical terminology for it.

[Lisa B]

fyi, just dont be sticking anything up in there. The skin is very thin and an object might tear it.
the reason they like it, its because its like a massage...just use your fingertip, and be careful.
However with an older bird who is lookin for a mate, it can be taken as forplay.ya have to be careful where your touching an older bird.

oh and its called the "interramal region" or "interramal space".
The tongue and related structures are nestled in this region. Sometimes, the first time an owner sees this region, they panic and think a piece is missing out of the beak. But, be assured, this space is normal.

here are some pics. look directly under the beak where it hits the upper throat.
1. Stirling
2. Sydney as a youngin
3. Emma in bed