Question about Cockatoo's health

Dreamweever · Mar 1, 2020

Hi, I'm new here and wondering if anyone might be able to help with a question about my cockatoo. She's 20 years old and has recently been having issues when she's sleeping. She tries to put her head into her back to sleep, but it starts sliding off to the side and wakes her up. This happens over and over. When she gets tired enough, eventually she starts to hang her head forward. I know she's not getting enough rest. I've searched and searched the internet and can't find any information that comes close to what I'm seeing. Does anyone have any ideas what this could be?

Anansi · Mar 1, 2020

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family!

I've never heard of a situation like this, but I would take her in to see a veterinarian (a certified avian veterinarian if at all possible) right away. This problem sounds bad enough on the face of it, as it is at least causing disruption to her sleep. But it's entirely possible that this issue might be a symptom of a larger underlying problem. It could be neurological, muscular, or skeletal in nature. Or something else entirely. I just don't think you'll know without a consultation with a vet.

Laurasea · Mar 1, 2020

Yes needs an avain vet.
When my bird was sick, she did this same thing, head hanging down sleeping. And sleeping more than normal. Once she got treated she never slept with head hanging again.

I would definitely be taking her to the avain vet if it was me.

I would also buy a kitchen digital scale and start tracking weights.

SailBoat · Mar 1, 2020

Very interesting...

Please follow the advise above and ASAP!

The rested position of a Parrot, places the beak between and just inside of the left or right Wing as it rests on their back. Commonly they will slip the beak just under the leading edge of the Wing feathers, especially during cooler times of the year.

The sleep appearance of a Parrot would have one of their legs and its claw lifted and resting under the body feathers with their body set low enough to provide some cover for the leg and claw they are standing on. Their head turned over the back and the beak resting under the leading edge of the Wing with those feathers cover part of the beak.

For the head to 'slip out' of that position implies the Parrot is likely weakened...

noodles123 · Mar 1, 2020

Don't wait to get your bird to a vet (certified avian) if at all possible. They hide issues and cockatoos are prone to many neurological diseases that can show up years after asymptomatic infection.
It could be something else less serious too, but if you wait to find out, it may be too late.
This behavior doesn't sound normal-- I have one and have never seen this.

Scott · Mar 1, 2020

Not familiar with this pattern of sleep disturbance but cosign all of the above. A visit with a certified avian vet ought help diagnose and treat.

Question about Cockatoo's health

Dreamweever

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Anansi

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Laurasea

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SailBoat

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noodles123

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Scott

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