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Why is my cockatiel sleeping at the bottom of his cage and inactive?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 1 day old | 2 lbs

I recently got a cockatiel and i have had him for just over a week and he was doing fine and he seemed comfortable but last night he went to the bottom of his cage and slept there and it’s now 1pm and he still isn’t active, he is alive though, do you know what is wrong with him? please help

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Pablo. Sleeping on the bottom of the cage is a general sign of weakness or illness. Remove perches and provide a soft towel on which to lie. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. A veterinary visit to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is recommended. Offer food and water via a syringe for some nutrition and fluid.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM
Veterinarian
Published on June 30th, 2018
You are correct - this may be due to her injury, especially if when her leg healed that it is a little bit shorter than the other. You can try to give her something to lean on while she sleeps, such as providing her with a conure tent (they look like a hanging triangle). This may allow her to feel more supported while she sleeps. You can also provide her with a platform to sleep on, so she doesn't have to grip a round surface while she is resting. If you provide either of these, please ensure they are high up in the cage, around the levels of the other perches, or she may not use them (birds like to be high up in their cages when they sleep as it makes them feel safe).
I would also recommend keeping a close eye on the bottoms of her feet - due to her previous injury, she is predisposed to pododermatitis (inflammation of her feet).
I hope that gives you a place to start!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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