Budgie constantly working his bill like chewing..

[eve]

I've asked this before,and not sure anything else will come of it, but I'm trying again.

My male budgie, General, has always had a habit which is constant now. He works his bill (like a chewing/nibbling motion). Sometimes it's up/down as if something is caught, and then at times just like a nibbling movement.
I've seen budgies do this as they tongue a small seed or item as it to taste it, using the end of their tongue to explore something they've picked up.
He's not losing weight, but is the first one down to eat the sprouts I put down or to attack the new seed, appearing more hungry than any of the others. He's not losing weight and is chipper, attending to his hen (Kbetch), cooing with her, etc.

Right now he's chewing a chew toy, but still doing the nibbling thing.

Taking him to a vet, the usual reply, isn't something that I think will help as he's not in distress of any kind.

Just wondering if there is any other ideas? He's such a gentle, friendly little thing, finger-tamed and was obviously someone's baby prior to my re-homing my group. (Old story for those that knew me from the previous forum).

[barrieshutt]

This is normal , cows do it also, its called chewing the cud

[eve]

None of the others do this. the 3 hens or the other 3 males. Only he does this.

Do you see your males do this, Barrie?

[barrieshutt]

Nov 27, 2011 19:56:40 GMT eve said:

None of the others do this. the 3 hens or the other 3 males. Only he does this.

Do you see your males do this, Barrie?

I often see my birds do this eve

[suejr69]

My boy stitch does this aswell he always as done.
Sue

[barrieshutt]

Nov 27, 2011 21:18:58 GMT suejr69 said:

My boy stitch does this aswell he always as done.
Sue

I'M PLEASED THERES MORE THAN ME DOES IT SUE

[eve]

Thank you to both Barrie and sue. I will quit worrying about this, then. He's such a sweet little bird and such a calming influence on the others. They all wait for him to do something and once he does, they all join in with whatever is happening.

I would have hated to lose him.

[Hezz]

Bluey is forever nibbling nothing. He also does it with the bars of the cage, as well. When he is doing it, he doesn't bother with eating anything put in front of him, just keeps right on nibbling nothing. So there are other "nothing nibblers' out there, that's good to know.

[Rachael Kellett]

Yes my Ozzie does this too, its a relief to hear that it is normal He will be eating his seed then sit there for a good five minutes after with his beak constantly moving lol.