One Leg

[arpu100]

I have a timneh grey for 4 years. I recently noticed that he is always holding a leg up. I know they do this when they sleep are or relaxed. He is doing it all the time. I looked at the foot and there is nothing on it like a sore or cut. He will eat and drink still loves his almond treats. He still talks and gives screams like normal. He will sit on two legs sometimes but almost all of the time one is held up. Is this behavior normal?

 

[SailBoat]

I have a timneh grey for 4 years. I recently noticed that he is always holding a leg up. I know they do this when they sleep are or relaxed. He is doing it all the time. I looked at the foot and there is nothing on it like a sore or cut. He will eat and drink still loves his almond treats. He still talks and gives screams like normal. He will sit on two legs sometimes but almost all of the time one is held up. Is this behavior normal?

Yes, it is very common for all Parrots to lift one leg when perching. Please remember that with the exception of over-night, those Parrots of the Wild are not standing on their feet for hours at a time during the day.

There are two reason that they lift one leg. One is to offset by shifting between each leg, the time they spend on any one leg (foot). The second is that they only expose one leg to room temperature, which keeping the other close to the body to keep it warmer. When they are warm, you will note that they common have both legs down as the number of exposed legs also allows they to control body temperature. It is not the only method, but it is one that they employ.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for joining!!

Yes indeed, as Sailboat posted, it is perfectly normal. Some birds favor one foot over the other, possibly for reasons similar to humans.

 

[arpu100]

thank you for your responses! Im not as worried now. Thank you again.

 

[texsize]

I have a timneh grey for 4 years. I recently noticed that he is always holding a leg up. I know they do this when they sleep are or relaxed. He is doing it all the time. I looked at the foot and there is nothing on it like a sore or cut. He will eat and drink still loves his almond treats. He still talks and gives screams like normal. He will sit on two legs sometimes but almost all of the time one is held up. Is this behavior normal?

Yes, it is very common for all Parrots to lift one leg when perching. Please remember that with the exception of over-night, those Parrots of the Wild are not standing on their feet for hours at a time during the day.

There are two reason that they lift one leg. One is to offset by shifting between each leg, the time they spend on any one leg (foot). The second is that they only expose one leg to room temperature, which keeping the other close to the body to keep it warmer. When they are warm, you will note that they common have both legs down as the number of exposed legs also allows they to control body temperature. It is not the only method, but it is one that they employ.

I never thought of that as a way to moderate temperature but I am sure you are right. There have been many times I have picked up my birds and noticed a higher than normal foot temperature.
They can't sweat and panting tends to be a sigh of real distress.
texsize

 

[DRB]

https://web.stanford.edu/group/stanfordbirds/text/essays/Temperature_Regulation.html

 

[GaleriaGila]

And, a related question, please?
As far as I can recall, I have never seen the Rb stand on one foot OR tuck his beak into his back. I have rarely seen him appear to sleep. Isn't that weird?
I think it's in part because he feels the need to be vigilant constantly, lest I try to touch somebody or grab a remote or pick a phone or cam up... or maybe he needs to be on the lookout for intruders... or food... he's just always "on"!
Anybody else's bird do that?????

 

[SailBoat]

And, a related question, please?
As far as I can recall, I have never seen the Rb stand on one foot OR tuck his beak into his back. I have rarely seen him appear to sleep. Isn't that weird?
I think it's in part because he feels the need to be vigilant constantly, lest I try to touch somebody or grab a remote or pick a phone or cam up... or maybe he needs to be on the lookout for intruders... or food... he's just always "on"!
Anybody else's bird do that?????

So, you're question is regarding the behavior of RickeyBird and we are talking about that Parrot that also has his own Thread, correct?

A reading of his Thread would provide a solid foundation for his need to be overtly vigilant with his rich history and dealings! It would be a wonder if he ever sleeps for more than a couple of minutes at a time. After all, the number of upset Fathers, Husbands, Rivals, Past Associates, Current and Past Members of Specific 'Families' and the list continues on and on that are searching for him. All of that and keeping a close eye on you, there is clearly no time during any given day for a nap! He has way too much to do!

I think that your Always 'On' statement covers it very well.

I would guess that late at night when all is dark and without intruders, one may find him thus sleeping. However, he likely has an Emergency 'ON' Button close by just in case you sneak a look see.