Summer is on the way! Every season presents its own set of pros and cons for our feathered pals, and summer is no different. Polly could be in serious trouble if she were to get too hot! Wild birds have options for cooling themselves down … for instance, they may fly at a higher altitude, where it’s cooler. Pets don’t have as many choices, so they are much more vulnerable to heat. You’ll need to take precautions to keep your cute pet comfy. A Ledgeview, WI vet offers some tips on this below.
Provide Water
First and foremost, make sure Polly always has fresh water. Many birds enjoy taking birdbaths when it’s hot. You can also mist your colorful buddy. Spray mist in front of her, and let her walk in and out.
Know Danger Signs
Keep a close eye on Polly when temperatures rise. Some signs of overheating in birds would include panting, breathing through the mouth, and holding wings away from the body. Polly may also sit on the bottom of her cage, vocalize strangely, and/or just act lethargic or distressed.
Monitor Temperature
Did you know that birds can be in danger of overheating any time that the temps go over 80F? Keep Polly in a room with climate control!
Beware Of Fans
Fans are a great way to keep rooms cool, because of how they circulate the air. However, they can be deadly to birds. Always turn fans off before letting Polly out of her cage.
Dangers
It isn’t just the latent air temperature that threatens Polly. A broken A/C or malfunctioning heat lamp can also cause overheating, which can severely impact your feathered pal’s health. Location also matters. Don’t put Polly’s cage in direct sunlight, especially near a window that faces east or west.
Shade
Do you have an outdoor aviary? If so, make sure that it offers plenty of shade for your colorful little buddy.
What To Do
What if your bird does get too hot? Bring Polly to a cool area right away, and call your vet. You can also mist her gently with cool (not cold) water. Pay extra attention to your bird’s legs and feet. You should also keep a water-soluble electrolyte powder on hand, as your winged friend can quickly get dehydrated.As your Ledgeview, WI animal clinic, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime!
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