"One way to tell if a parrot is healthy is to observe them while sleeping. A healthy parrot, no matter the size or species, sleeps on one foot. If you find your parrot sleeping on two feet and puffed up, then it is probably ill and should be taken to a vet. Check several times because parrots may nap on two feet, but their sound sleep is done on only one foot. Even large birds like  Flamingos and Egrets sleep on one foot".

BUT - he (Rick) isn't sure of the accuracy of the statement. We'll we're pretty intrigued by this because if true, every bird owner would now have a low tech but accurate way to determine if their bird is in ill health.

So we ran it by our (personal) favorite avian vet Dr. Byron J.S. de la Navarre, D.V.M. Before we give you his answer to this question, we want you to see his credentials - here goes: Past-President, Association of Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) - Past-President, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association {CVMA} - Illinois State Liaison, Association of Avian Veterinarians [AAV] - Co-Director, Midwest Exotic Seminars (MEPS) - Secretary: Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES) - Chairperson, Chicago Herpetologic Society's [CHS] - Conservation & Research Committee Member, Member Services Committee (AVMA).

Dr. de la Navarre's response is:

This is not true all the time - indeed certain birds often sleep on one foot - esp. wild birds.  It is primarily an adaptation for thermo-regulation = to keep warm.  That is why they are also often observed "fluffed".  However, a bird that is sleeping more than usual, always perched on both feet +/- unstable on it's perch, and is fluffed / puffed may indeed be demonstrating signs of illness.

So, one should be careful not to misinterpret these signs.  If in doubt, always best to contact your avian Veterinarian and discuss the signs / symptoms with them to determine the best course of action. 

We know all too well that birds, pets or otherwise, are experts at hiding any / all signs of illness and if missed can result in a serious medical condition establishing itself.  

Regarding sleeping & perching in captivity - it is not always the case that our birds will sleep perched on one foot or the other - so luckily you do not have to spend endless hours in the middle of the night bleary eyed watching to see if your birds are sleeping on one leg/foot or not, probably at the same time keeping them awake if not 'panicked as to why you are watching them ?'. 

Our pet birds will at times sleep on one leg/foot, often preferring one leg over the other - but also at times they will sleep using both, as I have notice countless times with our flock.

Any other questions, concerns or comments please feel free to contact us anytime - hope all goes well - all our best to you & Mitch & the Gang @ Windy City - keep up the great work - take care - Byron & Tracy  de la Navarre 

Animal House of Chicago, Complete Veterinary Care, Inc.
2752 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. 60625
tel. # (773) 878 - 8002, FAX # 773 * 878 * 0546
www.AnimalHouseOfChicago.com