Standing on one foot

[kellycraig125]

I've had my girl for a year and a half now (Solomon island Eclectus). She has always stood on one foot at night when preparing to sleep and occasionally when just chilling. But she seems to do it more and more lately even when she's perched on my hand. I read somewhere that can be a sign they are cold/ill but I've also read that it can just be a sign they're content. She has no other signs of illness. In fact, she seems as healthy and happy as ever. Talking, eating, playing, learning to fly. Should I be worried about her standing on one foot more?

Thanks!
Kelly

 

[GaleriaGila]

I don't have a solid answer for you, but I'm sure more learned advice is on the way. Meanwhile, a suggestion... take some phrases like 'standing on one foot", "signs of illness", etc., and use the Search Tab to read, read, read about it. I do that a lot. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support.
Good luck!
And good for you for being a very vigilant parront!

 

[kellycraig125]

Thank you! I'm leaning toward her just being really relaxed and content and everything else seems normal. But I tend to freak out at any unusual behavior haha. I'll do a search for the terms you mentioned.

 

[GaleriaGila]

OMG I know what you mean... the first few years I had the Rbird, I had a freak-out every other night! Over the tiniest new observation...
I agree, it's probably nothing.
But good for you for being so devoted!

 

[SailBoat]

Parrots as a group tend to stand on one foot while perching. They will switch between one and the other, but commonly have a favored leg. Kind of like being left of right handed with Humans.

The reasoning is to rest one foot while standing on the other. In addition, to regulate body temperature although not as important.

A Parrot that is ill will use both feet and near sit, or sit on the Perch.

Standing on a single foot is also a sign that the Parrot has a comfort with you not shifting too much. They become comfortable enough with you to rest that way.

Congratulation!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I would LOVE it if the Rickeybird would relax and sleep around me, but apparently I am not to be trusted. In the early days, I would take advantage of his sleep to try to smooth his tail feathers, causing him to wake up and pitch a fit. He hasn't perched on one leg or dozed around me for 20 years!!!!!!
I'm so jealous!!!!!!!!!!! Don't mess up like I did!

 

[DRB]

Perjo stands on one foot many times a day, and almost all of them are when she is completely quiet or a bit subdued and very relaxed and content. Just sitting and looking over her empire in on the first floor.

 

[Lotusflower]

My parrot used to do this from time to time but not very often. If this is a new change in your birds behaviour, it might be something she has found recently to be more comfortable or it can be a sign of something else. It's always a good idea to have them checked by a vet. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[SailBoat]

My parrot used to do this from time to time but not very often. If this is a new change in your birds behaviour, it might be something she has found recently to be more comfortable or it can be a sign of something else. It's always a good idea to have them checked by a vet. Better to be safe than sorry.

Thank-you, for adding to this Thread. Your comments regards better to be safe than sorry is well stated since Parrots are so very good at masking their illness.

Getting information from a wide /broad base of Parrot Owners is one of the truly great parts of this Forum.

Could you expand on your thoughts of standing on one leg being the sign of something else? Injury to the other foot, etc...