Parakeets are small, colorful birds that are popular as pets. Regarding their sleeping habits, they are not very different from humans. They sleep at night or when they are tired. However, they can also nap during the day if they are in a dark room and do not have anything to do.

Continue reading to discover when parakeets sleep, why we class them as diurnal animals, and whether or not you should cover your parakeets at night.

When Do Parakeets Sleep?

Parakeets are not nocturnal animals. They usually sleep during the day and are active at night.

The word “diurnal” is derived from the Latin words “dies,” meaning “day,” and “nocturnus,” meaning “night.” This means that a diurnal animal is awake during the daytime and sleeps at night. Parakeets are diurnal birds; they are active during the day, unlike nocturnal birds, which are active at night.

Parakeets are very active during the day. They fly all over the place, play with their toys and spend time with their friends. Some parakeets even sing to each other.

When it’s time to go to bed, they will either sleep on a perch in the cage or on their person’s shoulder. They usually sleep for about 10-12 hours each day; their circadian rhythm is similar to a human’s.

Are Parakeets Active At Night?

Diurnal animals, such as Parakeets, stay active through the day and sleep at night. You shouldn’t hear your parakeet chirping, exploring, or engaging in too much activity during nighttime or when it is dark.

If your budgie is active at night and you hear noise from them, it could indicate that they are scared, stressed, or anxious. A common cause for this behavior is too much artificial light or other sleep disruptions.

Parakeets should engage most of their sleep at nighttime when the sun is down. Budgies require between 10 and 12 hours of sleep within 24 hours, most of which should be through the night.

Still, most parakeets do not sleep for 12 hours in one go; they will often wake several times through the night, then rise with the sun each morning.

To make up for the rest of their sleep, parakeets usually take naps of around 30-45 minutes during the day. Adequate sleep is vital to ensure your parakeet maintains a strong immune system and stays healthy.

Should You Cover Parakeets At Night?

Some people believe that if you cover your parakeet at night time, it will help them sleep better. Others think this will have the opposite effect, and the parakeet will not sleep well. The question of whether or not to cover your parakeet at night time is a matter of personal preference, but it is not necessary.

Covering your budgie during the night allows you to block out artificial light and help them settle into a stable sleep routine. It also covers any distractions that may prevent them from getting a restful night’s sleep.

Placing a cover over the cage can also help to maintain a consistent temperature. It won’t necessarily make the cage warmer, but it will help to prevent drafts from cooling it down.

Still, there are reasons why covering a parakeet at night is not a good idea. Parakeets must be exposed to natural light during the day and darkness at night to maintain their circadian rhythm. If they are covered in the dark, it can cause them to become stressed or develop other health issues.

Some parakeets may get stressed or scared if their environment is covered because they need to see out of their cage to keep themselves calm and happy.

Many factors can affect how your bird sleeps, so it’s difficult to say if this tactic works for everyone. One thing that may be beneficial for some people is to provide an area in the cage where they can retreat from bright lights or other distractions.

Can Parakeets Sleep During The Day?

It’s normal for parakeets to sleep two to three times per day, though you might not always notice as they often sleep with one eye open. The optimum duration for an afternoon nap is around 30-45 minutes, which should be sufficient time to leave your parakeet feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Common reasons why your parakeet might sleep during the day include sleep disturbances the previous night, a particularly active play session that has left them tired, or boredom.

There are several benefits to allowing your parakeet to nap during the day. The first is that they will be less stressed; the second is that you will have more time with your parakeet during the evening hours when they wake up and start interacting with you again.

Encouraging your parakeet to be more active during the early evening can be an excellent summer practice if you don’t want them exerting too much energy during the hottest part of the day.

These naps are also crucial in ensuring that a parakeet gets enough sleep. This keeps their immune system strong and helps prevent illness; it also means they can recover faster from injuries.

Still, naps should not be more than 45 minutes. If your parakeet starts to sleep for one to two hours during the day, it indicates something is wrong. It could be that they’re not getting enough sleep during the night, or it could be due to an underlying health condition.

The parakeet is usually active during the day and sleeps at night. It’s not healthy to let the parakeet sleep during the day because it will get tired and fall asleep during the night when it should be awake. The parakeet may also become overweight if it doesn’t have enough exercise because it won’t be able to fly around as much when sleeping all day.

Summary

Parakeets are diurnal animals, like humans, which means they sleep during the night and are active throughout the day. Some moderate naps are normal and an excellent way for your bird to rejuvenate themselves, but encouraging a healthy sleep schedule at night is the best way to maintain a parakeet’s optimum health.

References

Do Budgies Sleep During The Day? — Budgie Central

Budgies Sleeping – Complete Guide – Pets Gal

Can My Parakeet Breathe When I Cover Her Cage? – Parrot Website