Best wake-up and bedtimes for a parrot

[Maltee]

What is the best time to put your parrot to bed and wake them up?

I have a sleep cage for my bird in the basement. I use the separate sleep cage because her main cage is in the living room and I don't want her to be disturbed by the TV while she's sleeping.

I've heard different opinions on the best sleep times for your bird and I'd like to hear more about it.

[Michael]

The most important thing is that they get 12 hours of dark uninterrupted sleep. After that the time depends on your schedule and light schedule. If you use artificial lighting as I do (my lights are on timers to ensure the birds get their 12 hours each way), then you can do whenever. If the cages don't get covered and sun creeps in, then you have to focus more on the natural daylight schedule but it may trigger hormonal issues with time.

[Pajarita]

Well, I am going to disagree with Michael. The 12L/12D schedule was very avant-garde about 15 years ago and, although it provides the bird with enough sleep, it doesn't prevent them from producing sexual hormones all year round and that means a screwed up endocrine system which, in turn, it means a depressed immune system. Tropical birds would almost get a natural schedule of 12L/12D in the wild (there is actually a 20 minute difference between the seasons) but their primary breeding trigger is food availability which doesn't work in captivity because we give them the same kind and amount of food all year round - aside from the fact that not all parrots are tropical, some are semi-tropical and some are from temperate zones. So, even though the bird will get enough sleep with this schedule, you can easily end up with a sexually frustrated parrot, an off-season or a chronic layer.

Personally, I like to follow nature's way and keep all my birds at a strict solar schedule with full exposure to dawn and dusk, just like the wild birds have.

[Michael]

but their primary breeding trigger is food availability which doesn't work in captivity because we give them the same kind and amount of food all year round

Using my approach that is accounted for and plays a lesser role. I tackle one problem at a time and the result is the complete approach. Tackle required sleep issues with 12 hours and tackle food-triggered hormones with food management and training.

[Pajarita]

but their primary breeding trigger is food availability which doesn't work in captivity because we give them the same kind and amount of food all year round

Using my approach that is accounted for and plays a lesser role. I tackle one problem at a time and the result is the complete approach. Tackle required sleep issues with 12 hours and tackle food-triggered hormones with food management and training.

Yes, but the problem is that I don't know anybody else who flies and trains his birds as you do. Most parrot owners don't put as much work and planning into their husbandry, Michael.