how to keep birds cool in summer

In this article, we explore different ways to keep your bird cool during the summer months. We touch on a variety of techniques that will keep your feathered friend happy and healthy:

As the summer heat intensifies, it becomes crucial for pet bird owners to ensure their feathered friends stay cool and comfortable. Birds are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and excessive heat can be detrimental to their well-being. In this article, we will explore some effective ways to help keep your pet bird cool and beat the summer heat.

Playtime and Mental Stimulation

It’s essential for your bird’s general wellbeing to keep them mentally stimulated. Playing interactively with them can help keep them occupied mentally and help them avoid the heat. Here are some ideas to beat the summer boredom:

  • Rotate Toys: Squawk Box is a monthly subscription box that offers a range of toys and treats to your bird. To keep your bird interested and entertained, rotate and introduce new toys on a regular basis.
  • Introduce them to new foods: Our Squawk Boxes are a terrific way to give your pet a surprise assortment of goodies, offering them hours of entertainment and stimulation. To make sure your birdy is never bored, each box includes a special recipe card for treats for birds.

how to keep birds cool in summer

It’s essential to keep your bird’s habitat at the ideal temperature for their comfort. Here are some pointers to assist you in efficiently controlling the temperature:

  • Air Conditioning: To maintain a cool room temperature, think about using air conditioning. But watch out that the air conditioning vents aren’t blowing straight into your bird’s cage—that could lead to drafts.
  • To provide your bird with a cool surface to rest on, place cooling mats or tiles at the bottom of the cage. You can put these mats in the cage for a cool spot after chilling them in the refrigerator.
  • Ice Packs or Frozen Water Bottles: You can use ice packs or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to cool the air around your bird cage. The airflow will help cool the surrounding area.

Birds need exposure to natural sunlight, but it’s also critical to keep an eye on them when they’re outside during the sweltering summer months. Here are some considerations for outdoor activities:

  • Early Morning or Late Evening: Plan your outdoor activities for when the weather is cooler, such as in the early morning or late evening. Avoid taking your bird outside during the hottest hours.
  • Shade and Shelter: If you do take your bird outside, make sure there are lots of places where it can find shade away from the sun. To create a cool and safe area, use canopies, umbrellas, or the natural shade provided by trees.

Photo by Paolo Nicolello on Unsplash

Understanding the Importance of Keeping Birds Cool

Before we get into the tactics, let’s discuss why it’s so important to put your pet bird’s comfort first in hot weather. Due to their distinct physiology, birds are vulnerable to heat stress. They don’t have sweat glands, so they must find other ways to control their body temperature. Birds can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal, and quickly become dehydrated in high temperatures. Thus, it’s imperative that you take preventative action to keep your feathered friend comfortable and safe.

Providing Ample Fresh Water

Maintaining a steady supply of fresh, clean water for your pet bird is one of the most important parts of keeping it cool. Hydration is key to regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration. Make sure your bird enclosure is easily accessible by positioning several water dishes or water bottle dispensers in different sections of the enclosure. To keep the water cool and fresh, check the supply frequently and refill as necessary throughout the day.

FAQ

How do you cool down a hot bird?

One of the best methods for birds to cool off is through a quick soak. Having moist feathers allows heat to dissipate quickly from their bodies.

What temp is too hot for a bird?

Usually the ambient temperature is lower than the bird’s body temperature, and the bird’s metabolism produces heat to keep warm. But when the outside air rises above about 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) the bird’s metabolic heat will cause it to get too warm. So the bird needs to cool down.

Is 90 degrees too hot for a bird?

Majority of pet birds need temperature settings of between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed they can handle between 40 to 90 degrees. This broader range though depends on a few things. Assuming there is moving air in the room your bird can withstand higher temperatures up to 90 degrees.

Should you put water out for birds in hot weather?

Just like you, the birds in your garden need water to survive – so it’s important to leave some out for them, especially during a heatwave. If you’re not sure how to put out water for birds to drink and bathe in, read our Bird Bathing Guide or contact the Really Wild Bird Food team for expert advice.