This is a curious question – Do parrots snore when they sleep?
So, you may have seen some funny videos or heard from your friends stories about their pets snoring such as their dogs and maybe even cats. Now, you wonder if the same is true with parrots.
If you are wondering what the answer to this question may be – keep reading! We’ve got the answers for you, and some other interesting facts and information you would not want to miss.
Do Parrots Snore When They Sleep
To keep it short and simple, the answer is yes. In fact, all animals and this includes birds such as parrots, can indeed snore. But at the same time, it is not the same kind of sound that humans make when they snore, which is the familiar buzzing noise.
Yet, it is most certainly a snore, although this depends on the psychological makeup and health condition of the parrot.
Many parrot owners claim to have heard their pet snore. But this is not some kind of a mimicry of a human’s snore. There are also several birds in the wild that are known to snore as they roost. One of the potential reasons for birds to snore is that they have some breathing issues. However, further research is essential to understand if this is indeed a fact.
Now, the snoring sound that parrots make is not identical to a human’s buzzing sound. This is because humans have an uvula, that small flesh dangling at the back of our throat. Birds lack this one. Nevertheless, birds still breathe deeply as they sleep, which comes across as a snore.
According to experts, a snoring bird could mean that there is a problem. This is why if you hear your parrot snore, then you should take it to the avian vet sooner than later. What this means is that they get into a post-torpor type of behavior or suspended animation. This is what they do when it is far too cold for them. Thus, they wake up and begin to breathe in a peculiar manner.
When your parrot wakes from a torpor, they instinctively open up their mouths or beaks to pull in ample oxygen to cater to their metabolic demands. It may appear like a snore but it is more like their way of gasping for air. If they produce a high-pitched sound, then it is due to their deep inhalation.
Helping Your Parrot Sleep Better
Knowing how alarming it is when a parrot snores, you would want to make sure that your pet stays safe during its sleep. This is why you want to provide the best sleeping spot for your beloved pet.
In the natural world, birds sleep off the ground as their way of keeping themselves out of reach from cats. They like a high perch but not too high because of owls that may catch them. So, they prefer dense foliage or brush where they keep their heads on these things during the night. The foliage is also a good camouflage for them since their colors mix perfectly well to keep them extra safe.
As they roost, birds intend to stay warm, and this is what being in a state of torpor means. It allows these winged creatures to preserve their energy, so they can survive the frigid night. Additionally, birds also prefer to huddle up with their flock to stay even warmer as they sleep. Because they don’t have a very spacious nest for a lot of birds to sleep in, they may sleep in barns, cavities under the roofs, and ledges.
With a pet bird, you can provide a more comfortable space for it to sleep in. This allows for better rest that can improve its health.
Typically, birds sleep a minimum of 8 hours a day. But they may also sleep longer, depending on how much rest their body needs. You need to help your pet bird sleep by providing a cozy and relaxing sleeping environment.
For instance, you should turn the lights off at night. Birds have an easier time relaxing and sleeping when there are no bright and harsh lights around. You can also put a cover over the cage for extra coziness and if you have thick window blinds, be sure to close these to avoid having some light in the room when your bird is trying to sleep.
But darkness is just one thing. The room should also be calm and quiet. Parrots can get startled easily when it is noisy in their environment, which can cause them to suffer from night terror. Plus, they may have a hard time sleeping, and this is unhealthy for birds, just as it is not a good thing for humans.
So many things can arise from a lack of sleep in birds such as anxiety and depression. They may act temperamental, which you can tell from certain symptoms including shrieking, biting or nipping, and pulling the feathers out. They will also have a weaker immune system, which makes your pet more vulnerable to diseases.
This is why you should prioritize giving your pet a soothing and relaxing environment for sleep and making sure the place is quiet and peaceful.
If you think your pet is having a hard time sleeping, you may be on the lookout for some signs such as crabbiness during the day and aggression. However, a bird that is sleeping peacefully has the neck turned to its back or the head is hiding inside the feathers. They may also grate the bills together, which is a sign of happiness and contentment among birds.
And then, there may be a time when you catch it vocalizing, clicking or chattering before they sleep. This is natural and it is nothing to be worried about.
Read More: Are Parrotlets Good Pets? Interesting Facts You Should Know
Wrapping Up
It is quite fascinating to know that parrots do snore like humans do. But if it is nothing but being in a state of torpor, then you should not be concerned at all. However, if you catch your parrot snoring more often, it may be worth getting your pet checked by an avian vet just to make sure everything is still fine with your little feathered friend.
