Doubts about parrot dry mouth.

[FuzzyAga]

BTW, the other day I was holding a piece of walnut meat and Petey's tongue touched my finger, and when I looked at that spot, there was a spot of saliva--well, it was wet--on my finger. I've always heard that parrots have "dry" mouth, but now, I don't know. My experience--and my eyes--are telling me something different.

[aru]

When Riddle opens his beak to taste something, I can see that most of his tongue looks rather dry, while other parts of his mouth are more shiny and moist. Maybe their saliva just dries more quickly?

[Pips mom]

Or maybe Petey had a drink of water beforehand? Ivy's mouth is always dry when she puts it on me and I only notice wet when she's better eating or drinking.

[LovelySydney]

I agree with the others, could be from drinking beforehand, could also be from eating a piece of fruit or veggies that left a residue.

[FuzzyAga]

Yep, it was probably whatever Petey was eating. :)

[michael]

BTW, the other day I was holding a piece of walnut meat and Petey's tongue touched my finger, and when I looked at that spot, there was a spot of saliva--well, it was wet--on my finger. I've always heard that parrots have "dry" mouth, but now, I don't know. My experience--and my eyes--are telling me something different.

I'm sure parrots, even though they produce very little saliva, must still able to distribute enough for a good taste test. ... Matter of fact, B.B. produces enough saliva to easily last a whole days worth of tongue waggering. And he'll leave plenty trails behind to prove it! .... Then again, why on earth would he want to taste my arm all day?.......:confused:....... I still have to wonder though, how that walnut would taste completely dry to a parrot? ... Especially seeing how their lacking so many taste buds...........:)

[Flip]

I agree that he probably had a drink of water :)