Typically, a budgie rubs his head on a cage out of irritation or stress.
However, the precise reason depends on how intensely is he scratching his face and exactly which part.
The underlying cause may range from a budgie going through his regular molding to him having mites.
In this article we will discuss this in more detail
You’ll learn the following
- Why do birds rub their heads on things?
- Do budgies get stressed?
- How to tell if your budgie is stressed?
- Why does your budgie face the wall?
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Why Do Birds Rub Their Heads on Things?
The cause varies among individual birds.
“Is it normal?”
Chances are it’s nothing much of a concern.
Yet, I wouldn’t shy away from visiting the vet, especially if my bird is rubbing his head off.
But if that’s not possible, here are a few of the reasons why a bird would rub his head on different things:
1. Molding:
If your bird is going through his regular cycle of shedding and growing new feathers, then he is bound to be moody and itchy.
A molding bird rubbing his head against his cage or perches is pretty usual.
In this case, there is not much you can do except carefully monitor his diet.
However, the period of molding varies among species and even individual birds.
Therefore, it is hard to predict when a bird will molt and so, rub his head.
Since molting birds give their heads only a quick brush, so if your bird is forcefully scraping his head then it is alarming.
If you are not sure the best thing to do is go the vets regardless
Better to be safe than sorry
2. Pin feathers
Pin feathers normally grow into mature feathers.
But on a bird’s face, they can get exceptionally prickly.
If pinfeathers on your bird’s face don’t mature within 2 weeks, then get them removed by a professional.
It will stop the irritation and your bird will stop scraping his head.
3. Infections and Mites
If there is dry mucus, scales, or powder on your bird’s face and he has been rubbing all of himself to various objects, then I suggest you rush to a vet.
It’s because your bird may have some respiratory infection or mites.
Only an avian expert can properly diagnose your bird.
However, don’t delay that appointment any further as mites are hard to detect but may go as far as eating the flesh of your bird.
In any case, don’t touch your bird with bare hands and quarantine him immediately.
If your bird is infected, then take all of your birds to the vet for the sake of their safety.
4. Rubbing the Beak
Now, when you said that your bird was rubbing his head, which part was it?
If he was just rubbing his beak then, that’s pretty normal and healthy behavior.
The birds hone and grind their beaks to keep them sharp and in shape.
Also, if layers of a beak peel away, that’s okay. It’s just like humans replacing their skins.
So, nothing about the beak is upsetting unless you see:
- Holes or mites
- Discoloration
- Abnormal growth
If your bird has any holes or mites then maybe your other birds are also infected.
Of course, you need to see a vet immediately.
Discoloration may be a sign of some chronic disease.
While, an over sized beak indicates a bird’s inability to maintain its beak and hence, profound weakness
5. Hygienic Issues
Birdcages must be cleansed at least once a day.
Perhaps, all your bird needs is a bath and him rubbing his head is a sign of him feeling dirty.
Don’t panic.
Bathing your bird is pretty easy.
Simply, sprinkle some warm water onto your bird.
Alternatively, put a shallow water container in your birdcage once a week and your bird will cleanse itself.
Though, if your bird doesn’t like being washed, then put wet chard or kale leaves in a pot inside your birdcage,
And there you go with a leafy spa for your bird.
6. Other Possible Issues
Your bird likely rubs his head simply to preen it.
Injuries or infestation around the nape or head can also trigger itching.
Some toxins from the air may also elucidate allergic reactions.
But then, maybe your bird is going through some stress.
I know what you’re thinking..
Do Budgies Get Stressed?
Since budgies are one of the most sensitive birds, therefore, they often get stressed.
Some budgies would even get stressed with you wearing a funky-colored shirt.
Though, not all budgies, but you can imagine.
Here are a few of the reason why a budgie may get stressed:
- Shift to a new home or an unfamiliar place
- Strangers
- Excessive noise
- Loneliness
- Irregular sleeping cycles
- Nutritional imbalance
- Exposure to a view of predators such as hawks or cats
Before we carry on, it would be a good idea to add toys in their cage to keep them entertained
Especially if you’re at work all day
You must be wondering:
How Can I Tell if My Budgie is Stressed?
A stressed budgie may show the following signs:
- Presence of feather bars
- Aggressive biting
- Changes in voice pitch
- Abnormal shrieking or staying extremely quiet
- Picking feathers or mutilating itself
- Repetitive behaviors e.g. pacing for hours or spinning excessively
- Loss of appetite and weight
In most cases, if you can find the cause, you can help your budgie.
The remedy may involve the following steps:
- Keeping at least two budgies to reduce loneliness.
- Strictly following a 12-hour-light and 12-hour-dark routine
- A balanced diet with proper minerals and vitamins
- Maintaining constant temperatures
- Reducing noise or strangers around the birdcage
- Talking softly and playing with your birds regularly
- Avoiding any yelling or misbehavior with birds
However, I highly encourage regular visits to an avian professional.
Since all budgies have unique personalities, therefore, they may manifest stress in different ways.
Some budgies may fight with their peers while others may stay in corners.
Conclusion
A molding bird often rubs his head against his cage to get rid of itchiness.
However, this irritation may also be caused by dirt, pinfeathers, mites, scales, or even stress.
Though, stress may manifest in several other ways, such as a bird facing the wall.
If your bird is stressed, be kind to him and let him know you are there for him.
This article is very helpful to help a stressed budgie – How do I bond with my budgie?
Frequently Asked Question
Why Does My Budgie Face the Wall?
Budgies are social birds, so a budgie facing the wall is odd behavior. However, it means he is trying to seclude himself.
Though, if rarely does so, and maintains his usual behavior then it’s not concerning.
However, a budgie refusing to eat or play and facing walls for hours is not normal.
This is quite common among budgies who lose their mates.
Indeed, processing the grief of a loved one is not easy, neither for humans nor for budgies.
Some don’t even respond to their favorite treats or their favorite humans.
I take it that there is no way around such pain and loss.
But, don’t let your budgie suffer alone.
You can rehab your budgie by talking, reading, or singing to him gently.
Bring more budgies and new toys home, to keep your stressed budgie occupied.
Again, see a professional if your budgie doesn’t feel better.
Here’s an article about budgie behavior which you may find interesting