Cockatoo Sleeping All Day: What Owners Need To Know

Sleep is very important for a cockatoo's health. Without a good night's sleep, cockatoos can experience health issues and behavioural changes. In the wild, cockatoos follow the sun's natural light cycles, which help keep their inner clocks on track. When cockatoos don't get that essential darkness, it can throw off their rhythm, leading to stress, mood swings, and even health issues.

Cockatoos are native to a wide range of latitudes, mostly between the tropics and subtropics. The majority of cockatoo species are found in regions near the equator, such as South America, Central America, and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. These areas have warm climates and consistent day and night cycles, which greatly influence a cockatoo’s natural rhythm and behaviour.

In the wild, cockatoos go to roost just before sunset and wake at dawn, living a 24-hour cycle of 12 hours sleeping, and 12 hours awake. Therefore, it is recommended that pet cockatoos get a similar amount of sleep, around 10-12 hours of darkness every night.

If your cockatoo is sleeping all day, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Sleepiness does not usually warrant a trip to the vet unless it is tied to another observation, like weight loss or loss of appetite. However, if your cockatoo is sleeping on the floor of its cage or always puffing up its feathers, it is best to bring it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

The importance of a strict bedtime routine

Cockatoos, like all parrots, require a strict bedtime routine. Birds are creatures of habit and a consistent sleep schedule is one of the best ways to support your bird's overall health and well-being. In the wild, they follow the sun's natural light cycles, which help keep their inner clocks on track. When pet birds don't get that essential darkness, it can throw off their rhythm, leading to stress, mood swings, and even health issues.

Scientific Evidence of Parrot Sleep Needs

Research has shown that sleep is essential for parrot health. Parrots are highly adapted to natural light cycles in their native habitats. In the wild, these cycles cue everything from when they sleep to when they’re most active and alert. When parrots don’t get the right amount of sleep, their behaviour and health can suffer, leading to issues like stress, feather plucking, and even hormonal imbalances.

The Importance of Darkness and Quiet in Sleep Quality

Light and darkness play powerful roles in a bird’s hormone balance. Shorter nights mimic Spring-time and can trigger breeding behaviours, while longer periods of darkness mimic Winter, signalling to the body that it's not breeding season. By providing consistent darkness, we help our birds avoid hormonal swings, keeping them calm and content.

Blue light, like the kind that comes from screens or artificial lighting, is very effective at blocking melatonin, a natural hormone that helps both people and parrots feel sleepy. When a bird is exposed to blue light in the evening, their body slows down melatonin production, making it harder for them to settle down and rest properly.

Roosting Versus Sleeping

Roosting and sleeping may sound like the same thing, but for parrots, there’s a big difference! Roosting is a kind of “resting” where birds stay alert to their surroundings while taking a break, especially when they gather in groups for warmth or safety. True sleep, on the other hand, is a deeper, more restful state where parrots recharge fully, often needing the safety and darkness of night to really let their guard down.

Sleep Health Benefits for Birds

Total darkness offers powerful health benefits for parrots beyond just hormone management. When birds have a consistent period of darkness, they experience improved immune function, which helps protect them from illness and stress-related issues. Darkness allows their bodies to fully relax, which is essential for cell repair, muscle recovery, and overall physical well-being. Without this downtime, birds can become stressed, which can lead to behavioural issues and weaken their immune systems over time.

Creating a Dark, Restful Sleep Environment for Your Parrot

Light: Creating total darkness is essential for your parrot’s health. Even small light sources, like the glow of a TV or LED lights on electronics, can disrupt their sleep. Research has shown that inferior LED lights can flicker at a frequency that’s often undetectable to human eyes but highly disturbing for birds. This flickering can keep them from entering a restful state, increasing stress and restlessness during sleep.

Noise: Along with light, there are a few other things to keep in mind to help your parrot sleep peacefully. Noise levels play a big role – birds need a quiet, calm environment to feel safe and get a good rest. Sudden loud sounds or background noise can disturb their sleep, keeping them on edge and unable to fully relax.

Temperature: Parrots sleep best in a comfortable range, typically around 65-75°F, so it’s best to avoid letting the room get too hot or too cold. Finally, a sense of safety is essential. Parrots feel most secure when they have a cozy, stable space to sleep without feeling exposed. Making sure they’re away from drafts, in a darkened, quiet room, and in a secure spot will support healthy sleep and prevent stress-related hormone disruptions.

Accommodating Sleep Schedules of Parrots and Their Owners

Not everyone has a 9-5 schedule that makes it easy to put their bird’s sleep needs first. Here are some simple tips to keep your bird’s shut-eye on track:

• Set a regular bedtime: Aim to cover the cage and create a quiet, dark environment at the same time each night, even if your own schedule varies.
• Use a sleep cage: If you’re often out late or have an unpredictable schedule, consider a separate, quiet sleep cage in a low-traffic area.
• Invest in a timer for lights: Program lights to dim or turn off at your parrot’s bedtime so they have a predictable sleep routine, even if you’re away.
• Create a pre-bedtime routine: Calm activities, like gentle talking or dimming the lights, help signal it’s time to wind down.
• Avoid loud noises after bedtime: Try to keep things quiet or relocate louder activities, especially if your bird’s cage is near common living areas.

Strive for Predictability & Consistency

Keeping a consistent sleep schedule is one of the best ways to support your bird’s well-being. Birds rely on regular light and dark cycles to feel safe and balanced. A set bedtime and 10-12 hours of darkness each night can make a huge difference, helping reduce stress and promoting positive, relaxed behaviours.

How to create a dark, restful sleep environment

A dark, restful sleep environment is essential for your cockatoo's health. Here are some tips to create the ideal sleep environment:

• Light: Create total darkness by eliminating all sources of light, including the glow from TVs or LEDs. Even small light sources can disrupt your bird's sleep.
• Noise: Ensure the environment is quiet and calm. Sudden loud sounds or background noise can disturb your cockatoo's sleep and prevent it from fully relaxing.
• Temperature: Maintain a comfortable temperature of around 65-75°F. Avoid letting the room get too hot or too cold.
• Safety: Your bird feels most secure when it has a stable, cosy space to sleep without feeling exposed. Keep it away from drafts and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
• Separate Sleep Cage: Consider using a separate sleep cage in a quiet, dark room away from the main activity of the house. This will help your cockatoo develop a regular and secure sleep routine.
• Cover the Cage: Use a dark towel, blanket, or a specially-made cage cover to signal bedtime and block out visual stimuli. Ensure the material is non-toxic in case your bird chews on it.
• Bird-Safe Night Light: If your cockatoo experiences night frights, a low-intensity night light can help ease its anxiety without disrupting its sleep.
• Timed Lights: Use timers to dim or turn off the lights at your bird's bedtime, creating a predictable sleep routine.
• Pre-Bedtime Routine: Engage in calm activities like gentle talking or dimming the lights to signal that it's time to wind down.
• Avoid Loud Noises: Keep things quiet and avoid loud activities, especially if the cage is near common living areas.
• Calming Sounds: Use a soft, steady background sound like a fan or white noise machine to drown out any disturbances and promote sleep.

By implementing these adjustments, you can help your cockatoo develop a healthy sleep routine, reducing stress and promoting positive behaviours.

The impact of location on sleep needs

Location plays a significant role in shaping the sleep requirements of parrots, including cockatoos. These colourful birds are native to a range of latitudes, predominantly inhabiting regions near the equator, such as South America, Central America, and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. In these equatorial zones, the day and night cycles remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. This stable light-dark balance profoundly influences the natural rhythm and behaviour of parrots.

Parrots from equatorial regions thrive with a sleep routine that mimics their wild habitat. Aim to provide them with a consistent 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day. This alignment with their natural sleep-wake cycle helps maintain hormonal balance and overall well-being.

On the other hand, some parrot species, like the Kea, Australian parakeets, and Ringnecks, originate from more temperate or non-tropical areas. These parrots have adapted to the changing seasons and experience slight shifts in behaviour and sleep patterns. During the winter months, they may require 10 hours of light and 14 hours of darkness, while in the summer, this reverses to 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness.

By understanding the specific sleep needs of your parrot based on its species and location of origin, you can create an optimal sleep environment that supports their health and happiness.

Signs of sleep deprivation

Sleep is essential for the health and mood of your cockatoo, so it's important to ensure they get adequate rest. A well-rested cockatoo will be active, alert, and responsive, eager to play, interact, and explore. On the other hand, a sleep-deprived cockatoo may exhibit signs such as:

• Irritability or grumpiness: Just like humans, lack of sleep can make cockatoos and parrots cranky and more easily agitated.
• Aggressive behaviour: Prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to serious behavioural issues, including aggression.
• Feather destruction: Plucking or destroying their feathers is another sign of sleep deprivation in parrots.
• Excessive screaming: Sleep-deprived parrots may scream more frequently and excessively.
• Excessive fear: Lack of sleep can make parrots more fearful or anxious.
• Health issues: Sleep is crucial for the immune and cardiovascular systems. Deprivation can lead to health concerns and make your bird more susceptible to illness.
• Change in demeanour: A usually active and playful bird may become listless and withdrawn if they're not getting enough sleep.
• Sleeping on two feet: If your bird sleeps while standing on two feet with its feathers fluffed up, it may be a sign of illness or sleep deprivation.
• Lack of upkeep: An exhausted bird may neglect preening, resulting in a ratty and unkempt appearance.
• Reproductive behaviour issues: Sleep-deprived parrots may exhibit unwanted reproductive behaviours, such as excessive egg-laying or aggression during their main season.

How to tell when your cockatoo wants to sleep

Cockatoos are social creatures, and in the wild, they are used to being part of a flock. They sleep at night, mirroring human sleep patterns. They prefer a quiet, dimly lit, and cosy spot for their slumber. A comfortable perch in their cage, away from disturbances, is their preferred sleeping spot.

• Yawning and stretching: Birds yawn too! Cockatoos will stretch their wings and yawn before settling down for the night.
• Fluffing up: As bedtime approaches, they will fluff up their feathers to get into a cosy position for sleep.
• Quietening down: After a day of activity and chatter, they will start to become quieter, signalling that they are winding down.

You can also take some steps to help your cockatoo sleep better:

• Consistent schedule: Keeping a regular bedtime will help them settle down easier.
• Quiet time: Lowering the lights and reducing noise around bedtime can signal to your cockatoo that it is time to wind down.
• Cozy environment: A soft perch, away from drafts or disturbances, can make all the difference.

Additionally, here are some things to avoid to ensure your cockatoo sleeps well:

• Loud noises: Sudden loud sounds from the TV or household appliances can be jarring and disturbing for your bird.
• Bright lights: Cockatoos find it easier to rest in a darker environment, so avoid direct lights or sudden flashes.
• Late-night feeding: Avoid heavy meals before bedtime, as a full crop can be uncomfortable and disrupt their rest.

By understanding and catering to their unique sleep needs, you will strengthen the bond you share and ensure your cockatoo thrives in your home.

Frequently asked questions