Why Does My Cockatiel Stand On One Leg?

Listed below are common behavior problems reported in pet cockatiels. Simply click the question below for more information. If your questions cannot be found here, please visit or main cockatiel section or stop by our parrot forum and post your questions.

• Why Does My Cockatiel Bite?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Scream?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Hiss?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Stand On One Leg?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Open His Mouth?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Fly Backwards?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Shiver?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Shake Its Head?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Bang His Beak?
• Why Does My Cockatiel Flap His Wings?

Standing on One Leg

 When a cockatiel is standing on one leg, this usually means the bird is in a calm state and is healthy. Most cockatiels that are in this state will balance on their perch with one leg while the other leg is tucked inside their feathers near their chest. This behavior is usually accompanied by the cockatiel keeping its feathers slightly ruffled and eyes slightly left ajar. Some cockatiels will also emit small chirps as well as this also seems to be relaxing to them. When the feathers are slightly puffed up, the cocktail is trapping air between its feathers and warming the air trapped within them. If the cockatiel is really tired, some cockatiels will tuck their heads under their wings as this keeps their heads warm too.

This behavior can be seen during noontime and during bedtime. Usually, when the bird is in a quiet room and there is no activity will the cockatiel decide to settle down and stand on one leg. This is a natural instinct and all healthy cockatiels do this. This activity helps the bird rest its legs because these birds are on them all day. All cockatiels will rotate their legs and tuck each side in for a while to ensure both legs get the opportunity to rest.

A cockatiel that is in the wild has the opportunity to sit on many branches that have different textures and diameters. For this reason, different sized perches should be placed inside the cage as this gives the bird an opportunity to exercise its feet. Most purchases can be purchased in the owner’s local pet shop. If perches cannot be found, they may be taken from a backyard tree. It is important the owner do some research before placing any branch or twig inside the bird’s cage to ensure they are not toxic to the parrot. All branches should be disinfected and cleaned well with bleach or heated to be disinfected.

Though standing on one leg is considered normal cockatiel behavior, there are some instances with the bird is actually injured. A cockatiel with a hurt
leg will usually favor the damaged leg while walking. In fact, the cockatiel will continually keep its limb tucked away to ensure it does not get hurt or to damage it more. This can be seen when the owner approaches the bird and it continues to favor the hurt leg. If for any reason the leg is believed to be hurt, the owner should immediately take the bird to a vet as its leg for a better inspection.