Birdy! It's HOT outside!!!
We all worry about our birds when the temperature drops outdoors, but high temperatures cav actually be more dangerous than cold. Birds do not have sweat glands and, like dogs, depend on panting to cool themselves. Panting is not an efficient, nor effective, method to cool body temperature. It also dries and irritates the lungs and trachea. Unless undergoing veterinary treatment, temperatures over 80 degrees (farenheit) can cause heat stress. Above 85F, risk of heat stroke increases dramatically, especially if the bird is handled, restrained or otherwise stressed. Signs of heat stress include: panting, loss of appetite, inactivity, and fluffed or huddled posture. To provide some relief from the heat, turn on your air conditioning, turn on your fans, keep your shades drawn during the day, but do open your screened windows at night to allow cool air in. Drafts are not typically going to be a problemn in the heat. Another impotant warning: Never leave your bird in the car, or in direct sunlight. For heat stroke and stress, prevention is the best option, so keep your birds' area(s) cookl and comfortable (anywhere between 68-75F) to decrease the chance of heat related problems occurring. A good rule of thumb: if you are too hot, so is your bird. Keep safety first and be sure that your bird does not have access to fans or cords.
The Avian Medical Center maintains a climate controlled environment throughout the clinic, including our boarding areas. If you are concerned about the heat, your birdies have the option to stay with us at bird camp! Yearly exams required, but we typically have space avialable on short notice, so feel free to call!
photo - Kelly L. Ballance, (c) 2010