Daytime Bird Naps: Why Your Pet Snoozes So Much

If your bird is sleeping all day, it could be a sign of illness. Birds tend to hide their disease symptoms longer than other pets, so any change in their usual routine should prompt a visit to an avian veterinarian. When birds appear fluffed up, it is their way of showing that they have a fever. Fluffing the feathers traps more warm air against the skin under the feathers and helps the bird stay warm. It is generally a sign of illness. In combination with a decrease in activity, and likely a decrease in appetite, your pet should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

Fluffed feathers and fever

If your bird is fluffed up and sleeping all day, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Birds fluff their feathers for a few reasons. Firstly, it could be a greeting or a sign of happiness. Secondly, it could be a sign of relaxation and an attempt to regulate their body temperature.

However, if your bird is fluffed up for a prolonged period during the day, it could be a sign that they are unwell. Birds have strong survival instincts and will often pretend to be fine, so it is important to observe them carefully. If you notice any of the following signs, take your bird to an avian veterinarian as soon as possible:

• Poor posture
• Lethargy
• Strained breathing
• Lack of appetite
• Change in demeanour (a usually active and playful bird becomes listless and withdrawn)
• Sleeping too much, especially if they are sleeping on two feet with fluffed-up feathers
• Discharge from the nares (nostrils)
• Discharge or bubbles from the beak, which could indicate a respiratory infection
• Clicking from the beak, indicating air sac mites
• Tail bobbing while at rest, which could signal laboured breathing
• Vomiting, which is different from regurgitating
• Lack of upkeep (an ill bird will often look unkempt due to less preening)
• Being picked on by cagemates

If your bird is sleeping more than usual but does not display any of the above warning signs, it could be due to a number of reasons. For example, they might be going through a moult, which requires energy, or they might be sleeping more due to changes in lighting or disturbances during the night.

If you are concerned about your bird's sleeping habits, it is always best to consult an avian veterinarian, especially if you notice any changes in their behaviour or physical appearance.

Diet and nutrition

When introducing new foods to your bird, feed them first thing in the morning as birds are hungriest when they wake up. It may take time and patience to train your bird to eat this form of food, but it will benefit your bird's health and longevity. Seeds should be kept to a minimum and offered only as a treat.

Fruits and vegetables are a part of a balanced diet for a bird. Suggested vegetables include carrots, kale, chard, yellow squash, collard greens, dandelion greens, beet greens, mustard greens, endive, broccoli, parsley, romaine, cooked sweet potato, green beans, asparagus, spinach, peppers, watercress, lima beans, and other legumes. Vegetables can be fed raw or cooked, though cooking decreases some nutrients. Suggested fruits include apples, apricots, cantaloupe, papaya, bananas, grapes, mango, watermelon, pomegranate, and all citrus. Birds that start eating fruits and vegetables will be taking in more water with their food, so the resulting increase in urine output may look like diarrhea. Avocado should be avoided as it is toxic to birds.

All birds have a protein need. This can be met by feeding limited amounts of cooked eggs, cooked egg substitute, bean mixtures, tofu, whole grain breads, low or non-fat cheese, and peanut butter (in very small amounts).

Birds on a seed diet should receive a daily supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Powdered vitamin formulations are best utilized when sprinkled on fresh produce or pellets. Minerals are essential and should be supplied daily in the form of cuttlebones, mineral blocks, oyster shell, or egg shell.

Birds need a diversified menu to mimic their diet in the wild. They enjoy foraging for food and employing specialized skills to locate and process treats.

Sleep environment

Birds need a period of solid, undisturbed sleep every night. A quiet, dark environment is ideal for your bird to get the rest it needs. Most birds do well with 12 to 13 hours of sleep per night.

If your bird's sleep environment is disturbed in the evening, consider relocating your bird to a designated "sleep cage" placed in a quiet room where it can have some peace and quiet. Stick to a routine and put your bird to bed at the same time each evening, and wake it up at the same time each day. Birds are creatures of habit.

If your bird's room is going to be disturbed, perhaps due to a party or noisy guests, it is a good idea to relocate your bird to a quieter room. Loud noises and bright lights can disturb your bird's sleep.

It is also important to ensure that your bird's cage is comfortable and the right size. The cage should be big enough for your bird to move around freely and stretch its wings. It should also have multiple perches at different heights to encourage movement. The cage should be placed in a draft-free area, away from windows, heaters, or air conditioning units to ensure your bird doesn't get too hot or cold while sleeping.

Additionally, make sure the cage is clean and free of debris. Birds can be sensitive to strong smells, so avoid using harsh chemicals or scented cleaning products near their cage.

Illness and disease

Birds are experts at hiding their illnesses, so it is important to be vigilant and take your bird to an avian veterinarian if you notice any changes in their behaviour. Birds tend to hide their disease symptoms longer than other pets, so any change in their usual routine should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.

If your bird is sleeping a lot during the day, it could be a sign of illness or disease. Birds that are unwell tend to sleep on two feet with their feathers fluffed up to keep warm. They may also crouch at the bottom of their cage. If you notice these signs, take your bird to the avian vet right away.

Long periods of sleep and fluffed feathers can be early signs of a disease. If you notice any discharge or bubbles from your bird's beak, this is indicative of a respiratory infection. A clicking sound when your bird breathes indicates air sac mites, which finches and canaries are especially prone to. If your bird is bobbing its tail feathers while at rest, it might have laboured breathing.

If your bird is sleeping more than usual, it could be going through its first extensive moult. Replacing feathers requires energy, so it is not unusual for birds to sleep more during this time. You may also see a slight increase in what your bird is eating.

Molting

If your bird is sleeping all day, it could be molting. However, it is important to note that birds tend to hide their disease symptoms longer than other pets, so any change in their usual routine should prompt a visit to an avian veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions