Birds in the wild sleep after dark, when it is time for the predators to go home too.
But, if you think that they need the full eight hours of undisturbed rest like you, then you are wholly mistaken.
Pet budgies are very much like all birds.
And, they do sleep better in the dark.
Also, they can sleep with both their eyes shut or with their eyes slightly open.
Now, if you’re wondering about the reason behind the divergent behavior, stick around to find out what makes your birdie crack open its lids even while napping.
Can Birds Sleep With Their Eyes Open?
It sounds incredible, but most birds can sleep with their eyes open.
Some can sleep with small slits open.
On the other hand, budgies can sleep with one eye open and the other closed.
At such a time, half the brain rests, and the other half remains alert.
It’s called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep.
Moreover, it isn’t an ability that isn’t limited to birds.
The idea is to keep alert so that they can evade any approaching predators.
Another aspect to avoid danger is to practice perching.
Birds perch on the highest branches to avoid peril.
Budgies have four toes, two in the front and two at the back.
The toes at the end serve as opposable thumbs, providing a firm grip even when they are asleep.
Pretty amazing right?
Do Budgies Need Darkness To Sleep?
You’re a caring budgie parent and you want your little birdie to have the best sleep!
Just like how we tuck our children in, with a night light on and make sure they are safe and can fall asleep, the same goes for your birdie
Indeed, you must realize if you’ve had a budgie long enough that these tiny creatures scare easily.
Therefore, most avian vets recommend that you cover the cage of your feathered friend every night for bedtime.
Doing so helps them feel secure and prevents them from quacking with fright at every sound or movement.
Furthermore, when you cover the cage of your birdie at a particular time of the evening, your bird eventually learns to associate the covering as an indicator for going to sleep.
And, the safer your budgie feels, the more soundly it will sleep.
Birds instinctively head home the moment the sunsets.
It is generally witnessed that birds sleep at night.
In short, budgies do need darkness for restful sleep.
Make sure to get those cage covers
It will work wonders
Something like this
Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Good Night Bird Cage Cover, Large, Black
You can get it over on Amazon by clicking here
What Time Do Budgies Go To Sleep?
Me personally, I fall asleep when the kids go to sleep
Otherwise I would hit asap as I get so tired during the day (I wake up around 5.30am for work)
Anyways, enough about me
You want to know about budgies
Budgies’ bodies are in tune with the setting of the sun.
When the sun rises, they rise.
When the sun sets, the birdies head for bed—even birds in captivity function in similar ways.
However, there is no need for them to rise early to forage for food.
It’s so innate that it’s like breathing air and doesn’t change.
However, budgies do show different personalities.
So, occasionally you come across a hippie birdie that will stay up late at night partying with its humans.
But that’s a scarce scenario.
Can Budgies Sleep With The TV On?
Look at it this way, can you sleep with the tv blaring in the background?
If the answer is yes.
Then, you’re one in a million.
But, that doesn’t mean your budgie is going to mirror your personality.
Most budgies sleep in the dark.
And, they need that restorative sleep to function sanely the next day.
Birds that are sleep-deprived tend to behave quite obnoxiously.
They can bite, scream, refuse to eat, and throw tantrums like evil little two-year-olds.
And, having silence goes hand in hand with darkness.
Now, if you make the room dark, cover your bird’s cage but have the tv on; your budgie is not going to sleep.
There’s a strong probability that the sounds of the television may frighten your bird.
So, for the sake of your fluffball’s well-being, provide your bird with the peace it deserves.
Wrapping It Up
Many new budgie parents worry about the well-being of their birds.
And, every tiny little thing that they may not have seen before appears scary or shocking.
But, you have to remember that budgies are hardy birds.
They tend to adjust well to new surroundings given care and time.
So, the best thing for you to do is speak to an avian vet and research the typical behavior of budgies.
And, if you feel that your bird is way off the spectrum, then a visit to the vet is all that is necessary.
In most cases, your budgie isn’t ill or unwell in any way – they are showing some flair.
They are somewhat distinctive in their attitude that way.
In any event, your budgies need some extra TLC to thrive.
Few Tips For When Your Budgie Is Sleeping
I want to share some few tips with you when your budgie is sleeping
- Make sure your budgie feels safe in their cage. Try not to keep the birdcage near a window or a main door because your budgie may feel the need to be alert for any predator. Put the birdcage somewhere in the corner of the house in the room where the family hangs out the most.
- Provide a sturdy perch that is high above in the cage. Most birds prefer to sleep on the highest perch
- Keep the noise down as much as possible. Turn off the TV and cover the cage to make it dark for your budgie. Try to keep children and pets away from the cage
- Don’t disturb your birdie. If your budgie has been with you all day and you notice she’s sleeping on your shoulder, it would be a good idea to transfer her to cage where she won’t get disturbed
The main thing is – be considerate when your budgie is sleeping
A budgie that has their full sleep without any disturbance will be a happy healthy birdie!
Related article – Budgie sleeping a lot
