How long is too long - Pictorella sunning itself constantly

[tonytoast]

About two months ago I moved my male Pictorella from one aviary to another and then back again and ever since, he has been constantly sunning himself....literally all day and moves around the aviary to find the sun.

Possible reasons:
- During the move became stressed and has not recovered
- Has been sick for a while and moved triggered illness
- It's winter, give him a break
- Normal behaviour for Pictorellas

My general view on birds being sick is that if they tuck their heads under the wings for extended periods of time, then there is a good chance they are unwell. This Pictorella has not tucked its head under its wing at all, but it does sit crouched. Its mate is becoming quite active (nesting behaviour such as picking up twigs and dropping them in front of the male). The hen sits in the sun in the am with the rest of the birds but only for 30 minutes or thereabouts, so that perhaps negates the 'normal behaviour' and maybe the 'its winter' reason.

Balance of birds are all active, healthy (well at least they look healthy) so my guess is that it is unwell....just not sure why. I am considering taking feaces samples to the local vet but it would mean I have to catch it and hospitalise it which may push it over the edge if the 'stress' thing is the problem.

Any other Pictorella owners able to shed some light???

[desertbirds]

When i kept Pictorellas i found they would do a similar thing but not the extent that yours is.I found they can not only tolerate but seem to enjoy very warm conditions and would breed when temps were well into the 40`s.I noticed the Pictas would at times appaer inactive and not well but were generally fine.They did like to be in a group and perhaps if you have one pair there may not be enough stimulation for this bird.He might not have much interest in the hen.

[tonytoast]

They did like to be in a group

Interesting thought....had not considered!

He might not have much interest in the hen.

Perhaps I need to dress Pictor 'Cinder' ella up for the ball....

I hope it is nothing but my gut tells me otherwise! Thanks for your thoughts.....

[Simba]

He sounds unwell to me, I would be looking at moving him in and giving him some heat for a bit and see if he improves.

[SamDavis]

I hope it is nothing but my gut tells me otherwise! Thanks for your thoughts.....

Go with your gut - and shove him in a hospital cage. In my experience if you feel they're a bit off colour, then they probably are. Better to act ASAP.

[jusdeb]

Can only guess that some birds like some people cant tolerate the cold to the point of being ill ...

That gut feeling that no one seems to be able to understand is there for a reason , so go with it ...what's it gonna hurt ?