My budgie sleeps strangely. Is this normal or should I see a vet?

Many birds, including budgies, will sleep with their heads nestled down over their backs and between their wings, especially at night. This is perfectly normal behavior. However, a bird that isn't feeling well will spend more time with its heads nestled down into its feathers and less time engaging in preening, eating, playing, and other normal activities. A sick bird may also stop vocalizing, sit puffed or fluffed up, sneeze or have discharge from their nares, have loose stools, have stools caked around the vent, and/or pick at its food or not eat at all. So, if your bird seems listless or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, seek veterinary attention right away.

This is not a typical resting position for birds, though it may be "normal" for Alfred. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings. If the behavior persists or if he develops any of these symptoms, then he should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.

It could be that is just how your parrot fell asleep, which can be normal. If he is showing any signs of illness while awake, such as a head tilt then, refusal to eat, listless behavior, etc, then this is cause for concern and should be checked out by a vet.

Hello, I am concerned Mickey may be holding his neck differently due to pain. I recommend having him seen by his veterinarian. They can best guide you after a physical exam. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If he's like that even while eating, drinking, or being active (not sleeping) and never has his head in a normal position, it wouldn't hurt to have him examined by your vet. It's possible there could be an underlying issue such as a nutritional problem or even a neuromuscular issue that would benefit from being checked out.

A healthy happy and secure bird will usually sleep with one foot tucked up to his abdomen and his head turned around and tucked into his back feathers. I am not really able to imagine a bird with his leg and foot behind his head. It would be very helpful if you could upload a photo of your bird sleeping like this. If your bird is otherwise eating, drinking, has normal droppings and is preening himself properly, there should be no reason to worry.

Hi! Sleeping with head bent down or under a wing can be normal. However, if Prince is more lethargic and sleeping more than normal, I would agree that he could be sick with an infection or some other illness. therefore, I would recommend you take him to see a veterinarian since birds can get seriously ill very fast. Your vet will be able to do an exam and recommend any tests or treatments that are necessary. Good luck!