Do Parakeets Need Darkness To Sleep?

I am one of the lucky people who can sleep anywhere.

I’ve fallen asleep on trains, on a cable car, on a submarine, at the park, at a rock concert and on occasion even at my desk while writing articles.

I wondered what conditions my parakeet needs to fall asleep.

Can my parakeet fall asleep anywhere and at any time, or do parakeets need darkness to sleep?

The answer is yes, parakeets need darkness to sleep comfortably. Like humans, parakeets sleep at night once the sun has gone down. In the wild, parakeets typically live in tropical environments where half of the day is spent in darkness. This is the perfect condition for parakeets since they typically need 10-12 hours of sleep. Sleeping in the dark helps them remain calm and get the amount of sleep they need to function properly. You can help your parakeet by providing a dark, quiet environment for sleeping.

This article will outline why parakeets need darkness to sleep, whether or not they like sleeping in the dark, what can cause them to become afraid of the dark, and best practices for creating an effective sleeping routine.

Let’s get into it!

Why parakeets need darkness to sleep

Parakeets benefit from sleeping in the dark because it mimics their natural habitat.

The majority of parakeet species originate in tropical areas where they experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

Just like humans the darkness signals that it’s time to sleep.

Parakeets have natural instincts to stay alert during the daytime when predators may be lurking.

Staying awake is a survival instinct.

When it gets dark, parakeets can finally get some rest.

Imitating this environment in your home will help your parakeet keep a healthy and natural routine.

Getting a proper night’s sleep helps decrease stress and behavioral changes.

Lack of sleep can lead to your parakeet becoming more irritable, screaming and biting.

It can also negatively affect your parakeet’s immune system.

If you find that your bird is cranky or picking at feathers she probably needs more sleep.

Increasing your parakeet’s sleep time in the right conditions will improve her behavior, mood and health.

When you provide a dark, quiet environment you can ensure your parakeet is comfortable and well-rested.

 

Do parakeets like sleeping in the dark?

Not only will covering your parakeet’s cage at night improve sleeping conditions and overall health, but your bird actually likes sleeping in the dark. Because it resembles their natural environment, parakeets will feel more at ease when they sleep in the dark. They will remain calm and quiet, allowing them to get adequate sleep to feel good the next day. Covering the cage also provides a sense of security and helps reduce sound and movements from scaring your parakeet during the night.

Parakeets like sleeping in the dark because it helps them sleep more comfortably. If you keep your parakeet inside, the artificial lights can cause added stress and strain on your bird. It’s important that you give your parakeet the space and darkness they need to get a good night’s rest, just like you would a child.

 

Should I cover my parakeet’s cage at night?

Covering a parakeet’s cage at night is the same as turning off the lights in your own room before going to sleep.

Because darkness signals that it’s time to sleep, putting a cover over your budgie’s cage will let her know that she should fall asleep.

Like humans, parakeets need enough sleep in order to feel their best and function properly.

Parakeets generally require at least eight hours of sleep, but most budgies even need 10-12 hours of peaceful rest.

Negative health issues are associated with a lack of sleep/ If parakeets don’t get enough sleep, it can greatly impact their behavior and overall health.

As a pet owner, you should provide the best sleeping conditions for your parakeet.

It’s vital to remember that every parakeet is different.

While some budgies may love a covered cage at night, others may become nervous or scared in the dark.

You can test the sleeping conditions for a couple of days to observe how your budgie reacts in order to make an informed plan.

If your bird displays cranky or abnormal behavior after sleeping with the cage uncovered, try covering the cage for the next few days and see if there are any improvements in behavior.

 

What can cause a parakeet to become afraid of the dark?

Just like young kids, parakeets can become afraid when left in the dark.

They can’t get easily scared, so you should take measures to provide the best sleeping conditions for your pet.

Parakeets don’t have the best vision at night, so they can become easily startled by sudden movements and any level of unexpected sounds.

Since they can’t see very well, they will perceive these movements and sounds as a potential threat.

When a budgie becomes afraid she may start frantically flying around her cage.

Preventing perceived threats such as these can help keep your bird safe, as she can easily injure herself when crashing around in the cage.

One thing you can do to prevent your parakeet from getting scared in the dark is keeping their surroundings constant.

If you add new toys, perches or furniture around the cage, their silhouettes may appear menacing in the dark since your bird is unfamiliar with them.

 

Nighttime routine best practices

Creating a routine and teaching your parakeet when it’s time for bed will help her become more comfortable sleeping in the dark.

Maintain a regular bedtime schedule so your bird consistently gets restful sleep.

This routine will help your parakeet to feel at ease in their environment.

Cover the cage at night so your budgie can’t see outside lights or shadows moving across the room.

Using a dark or thick fabric can help prevent shadows from frightening your parakeet.

This way she won’t be anxious that a predator is nearby.

Gradually turn off the lights to imitate the setting sun.

Because the light fades little by little in the wild, you should mimic this in your home to help your parakeet sleep better.

Dusk is usually the time when budgies prepare themselves to go to sleep. Dimming the lights slowly will indicate to your parakeet that they should get ready for bed.

Use a night light so your bird isn’t frightened by complete darkness.

A small night light will put your parakeet at ease, just like a small toddler.

The night light can help your pet parakeet find her way back to her perch and sleep stress-free.

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