My lovebird fluffs up at night. Is this normal or a health concern?

If she is behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern. Birds will fluff up their feathers to trap air between them. this acts as insulation to retain body heat. Check the room temp and increase it if necessary. Use a cage cover at night and check for strong or cold drafts around her cage. If she is lethargic, not eating and has loose droppings then she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky and including photos. Birds are typically fluffed when cold or ill. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner than later. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a cure for illness. As a new bird, moving to a new home can be stressful for a young animal, and suppressing the immune system, allowing subclinical infections to manifest. Good luck.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sepeda is beautiful! A cockatiel sleeping with feathers fluffed can either be normal behavior or sign of illness. Nighttime is when a cockatiel gets the majority of their sleep. At night, a cockatiel’s body temperature is lower, so they may do several things to conserve body heat. * stand on one leg, tucking the other up under the abdomen * tuck the head under her wing * fluff up the feathers to trap warm air next to the body It is recommended that you keep at least three sides of the cage covered at all times to help keep temperatures constant in the cage. If she seems unusually sleepy during the day then she may be getting sick. She should be active in daylight doing all of her normal activities (feeding, preening, exploring, exercising, singing, etc). If she is sleeping more than the occasional nap, especially if she is fluffed up, she might not be feeling well. Sick birds often huddle at the bottom of the cage, fluffed up and looking sleepy. They can quickly become too weak to stand on a perch or eat. A cockatiel behaving this way needs evaluation as quickly as possible by an avian veterinarian. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Sprout and including photos. Being fluffed is a general sign os possible illness, nothing specific. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but is not a treatment. Monitor food and water intake. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Yes and including photos. Birds fluffed their feathers to provide more insulation, whether cold or ill. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and help determine why he is acting ill. Monitor for food and water intake, might have to be separated from other bird to determine. Good luck.

Feather fluffing by itself doesn't really mean much, as birds will fluff to either relax or even before they groom themselves. However, if she is constantly fluffed, or very quiet and inactive, it can be a vague sign of illness. Sudden behavioral changes from the normal can also be an indicator of illness. I would keep an eye on her, and if she shows any other symptoms such as not wanting to eat or drink, weight changes, constant listless behavior, or doesn't return to her "norm", having a vet take a look is best.

That bird does look a little stressed out, but it is also very young looking and as if it doesn't have all its feathers yet. If the baby is acting ill, is always sleepy or listless instead of interested, or isn't eating and drinking, I would be concerned. The baby is also very young looking, and may require additional care and hand-feeding still as it grows. If you are not 100% on getting the bird, or you are concerned with its health and well-being, it is always best to bring this up with the store/seller and ask for any medical or health records. It is always best to get any new pets from a reputable breeder that is willing to share all documentation on the per's care.