Why Does My Cockatiel Open His Mouth?

Listed below are common behavior problems reported in pet cockatiels. Simply click the question below for more information. If your questions cannot be found here, please visit or main cockatiel section or stop by our parrot forum and post your questions.

• Why Does My Cockatiel Bite?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Scream?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Hiss?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Stand On One Leg?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Open His Mouth?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Fly Backwards?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Shiver?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Shake Its Head?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Bang His Beak?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Flap His Wings?

A Cockatiel with an Open Beak

Cockatiels open their mouths for many reasons and it is important the owner understand their bird’s body language to determine if medical attention is needed. Cockatiels are very good at concealing their ailments as any weakness shown in the wild is a red flag for a predator. For this reason, cockatiels will only show symptoms when the bird is deathly ill— sometimes it can be too late to seek treatment when the cockatiel does show symptoms.

If the cockatiel is too hot, it will slightly open its wings and pant. Cockatiels cannot sweat and therefore breathe heavily to release excess heat from their bodies. The warm air is released and cooler air is inhaled. This panting is highly effective for cooling the bird’s body down. It is important to not disturb the bird in this state as excessive exercise will also raise the cockatiel’s body temperature up more, resulting in a possible heat stroke. If temperatures become unbearable, the cockatiels should be taken into a room with air conditioning. If an air conditioner is not available, lukewarm water can be sprayed to cool the bird off. A fan should also be used to help circulate any warm air out of the room.

Other reasons a cockatiel may open its mouth include yawing, sneezing, chirping, or whistling. These behaviors are normal and there is no need to worry.
If the cockatiel is believed to be sick, the bird should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. Many owners know their cockatiels’ usual behavior and will decipher if the situation is a medical emergency. A cockatiel with an open mouth may have a bacterial infection, respiratory infection, or parasitic infection. For this reason, a vet will prescribe the proper medication to treat the symptoms.