Zebra finch hen opening and closing beak

[Societies&Zebras]

I have noticed one of my hens that presume to be healthy has been opening and closing her beak when I come up to the cage or get the seed and water dish. She does it but when I leave she doesn't. As of now I just changed food and water and she did it. But I went over to my bed and as of now as I'm typing she isn't doing it anymore. I heard it could be a respiratory infection. Should I worry? I mean it sounds like she is nervous. Which is also a possibility. She isn't doing it anymore as of now.

[MiaCarter]

If she's opening her beak only when you approach and get in really close proximity, that's likely going to be a defensive behavior.

They often lunge forward with their body too.
It's her way of saying "Back off! You're too close for comfort."

If this behavior occurs at other times, when you're, say, sitting across the room, then that indicates a respiratory issue.

[delray]

Usually that happens to my birds when they are nervous.

Quick question, what happens to beep???? You say you only have 2. Females in the cage

[Ginene]

Sounds like she is nervous/defensive to me too. I would keep an eye on her and if there is something else wrong it will most likely progress quickly.

[Zebrafincher]

I agree with the others. Both my finches, and my canary will exhibit the same behavior when they are feeling hemmed in. I have them out most of the time, so its usually only when in the cage.

Zebrafincher
Proud owner of:
*Kevin aka “The Old Man” – very cranky canary – 13 years old and rules the Roost!
*Beaky aka “Beaky Beak” the Zebrafinch – 1 year old – and a real, real cutie!!!
*Merlin aka “Merl” the Starfinch – 3 ½ years old – and “bossy as anything for such a small fry!”