Overheating
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Emergency Treatment for Overheated Birds
Most of our companion birds are acclimated to inside air-conditioning systems. High temperatures can therefore be deadly to birds. If you take your bird outside, be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight. If you travel with them in your car, NEVER leave them unattended. Overheating can also be brought from excessive supplemental heat (by a heat source that is set too high, such as a heating pad or a lamp). Some conditions, such as obesity, can cause a bird to pant and have difficulty cooling themselves off. Your vet will be able to evaluate your bird to ensure he or she is maintaining the proper weight for its age, size and species.
Symptoms: In these and other warm weather situations watch them for signs of over-heating; these signs include:
- open-mouthed breathing panting
- holding their wings away from their body, in an attempt to cool itself down
- behaving as if they are stressed
- Mist / spray feathers with cold water, until the bird is wet to the skin.
- Put feet and legs in cool water.
- Place in quiet, cooler area.
- Wrap loosely in towel to prevent chill.
- Watch bird for shock.
- Call your avian veterinarian to get his recommendation pertaining to further treatment.
How to protect your aviary birds in sizzling hot summers
Many disease-causing organisms / toxins are transmitted via air and water. If you suspect a disease problem (or if you would like to prevent one), please investigate the possibility of filtering your air and purifying / treating your birds' drinking water.
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