Will covering my birds at night trigger hormonal behavior?

[FieryPhoenix]

With the increase of daylight I started covering my bird cage again to help provide a darkened environment for better sleep. There cage is near a window with a translucent shade where light comes in.

I recently heard from a few people online and on YouTube that covering birds at night can cause nesting behavior. Is this true? I am not in a position where I can darken the room without it. Obviously during the colder months I won’t need to cover them. I am just trying to provide the best sleep environment.

 

[SailBoat]

Sounds like the YouTube folks have been fermenting again and drinking a bit to much of their creation. There is a World of difference between a nesting 'box' and a covered cage.

 

[wrench13]

I have always covered my parrots at night, all year long. I have not noticed anything realted to that. Mating season comes regardless of covering. The day night cycle is what is usually attributed to the start and stop of it. Some folks use the natural cycle, others like my self have a pretty strict 12/12 hr day nite schedule.

 

[BirdyBee]

I don't think covering at night is an issue, for most birds at least, covering during day on the other hand may encourage hormones, but you don't do that, right?

Agree with above, hormone season comes no matter what, even if you do your best to avoid it.

 

[FieryPhoenix]

I don't think covering at night is an issue, for most birds at least, covering during day on the other hand may encourage hormones, but you don't do that, right?

Agree with above, hormone season comes no matter what, even if you do your best to avoid it.

No I only cover them at bedtime. I am trying to allow 12 hours of sleep. Ny Quaker chirps at 6:30am before I even uncover them so I cover them at around 6:30 in the evening.

Yeah my girls are early robbed, early to rise.

Right now they are using an old white sheet but I ordered them a bird cover that is black and is an actual cage cover. I hope they like it.

 

[ravvlet]

We have amazons and honestly covering Sammy’s cage for a full 12 hours is probably the main reason why he’s gone from what his previous owners described as a “mean old bird” to a relative sweetheart who begged even the vet for pets. They need their sleep! The cover ensures they have an easier time getting it.

I am not a morning person and both my boys seem to enjoy being up later (the sun sets well after 8pm where I live this time of year) so I cover ours at 9pm and wake them with breakfast at 9am.