Is this behavior considered normal?

[Icardi111]

Hi All,

 

I got my African grey 4 days ago. His name is Alex. He does a weird continuous movement with his tongue(attached video).

I took him to the vet yesterday, and the vet told me that he is fully healthy; he even checked his tongue and there wasn't anything out of the ordinary. The bird had a bit of heavy breathing; the vet cleaned his nose with a salty water solution. I felt that the rate at which he now does it has decreased a bit.

Anyone else's bird does the same? What got me worried is that I couldn't find any reference about this.(I am talking about the tongue movement not the beak hitting, as far as I read, the beak bobbing is pretty normal)

Please watch the video and let me know.

 

Thanks in advance,

Edited June 24, 2020 by Icardi111
wrong video

[neoow]

I've not seen this particular behaviour in my grey, Alfie before.

Is it a new behaviour?

Is your vet an avian specialist?

I'd probably be slightly concerned about the heavy breathing too. That doesn't sound great. If you think your vet missed anything then it might be worth trying to get a second opinion if possible.

[Greytness]

I agree. Something's amiss. You may need to get a second opinion with an avian vet soon.

[Icardi111]

What has me worried is that I can't find any reference of this issue anywhere.

Before visiting the avian I discussed in my initial post; I went to a different one that told me that this is only due to stress and that he should stop doing it in 10 days or so(which obviously didn't have me convinced). The 2nd vet I visited was highly recommended(he even has a 4.7/5 rating on google). He actually showed me inside Alex's mouth, that there's nothing wrong. He gave me some vitamins, antibiotics and a cuttlebone; I have a 2nd appointment with him next week where we will do a full blood test and respiratory system check if needed.

Will keep you posted.

I would highly appreciate if someone that had faced this same issue can shed some light.

[Greytness]

Not sure if you're a FB person, but there's a group that I've heard a number of people recommend over the years called 'parrot first aid'. I'm not a member, but it might be a group to consider joining for a bit.

 

[Icardi111]

thanks for all the help; will definitely join the FB group