Beat the Heat

As the summer temperatures rise, it's essential to ensure your feathered friend stays cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you keep your parrot safe and cool during the hottest summer months.

Is it Safe to Use Fans Around Parrots?

While floor or window fans can help circulate air and keep the temperature down, they can also pose a danger to your parrot. Make sure the fan is securely mounted and there are no loose parts, or electric cords, that your curious bird could nibble on. Keep the fan at a safe distance to avoid any accidents. Make sure no birds are left unattended or flighted birds, that might be able to come in contact with a floor fan with moving fan blades. Also, remember birds are sensitive to drafts, which can lead to respiratory issues, so use indirect airflow by making sure the fan is not blowing directly at your bird. I have a large fan I use during the summer heat in my bird room by placing it on a table, pointing downwards toward the floor.  I place a large air conditioning filter pad across the complete topside (which is actually the back of the fan). This allows the fan to pull air from within the room, filter it through the filter pad, and help circulate the air in the room quite well. So not only does it allow the circulation of air for a little more coolness, it actually also works as an air filter, helping remove some of the feather dust. 

Ceiling fans can also help circulate the warmer air and help cool the room. Again, safety is needed as rotating fan blades can injure a bird that flies into the fan accidentally, or a bird who tries to land on the moving fan blades. Best used with feather clipped birds or only when flighted birds are secure in their cage. 

Is Air Conditioning Safe for Parrots?

Air conditioning can be safe for parrots as long as you monitor the temperature. Sudden temperature changes can be stressful for birds, so it's essential to maintain a consistent and comfortable environment. Also, as with a rotating fan, make sure the cold air does not blow directly on your bird to help avoid any health issues.

The Importance of Fresh Water

Parrots can quickly become dehydrated in the summer heat, so it's crucial to provide them with fresh, clean water at all times. Even consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl to keep it cool throughout the day. Make sure your bird's water is changed daily to prevent bacterial growth. You may even want to add an extra water bowl to be sure there is always access to water.

Don't forget Bath Time!

On particularly hot days, treat your parrot to a spray bath. Use a gentle mist setting on a spray bottle to lightly mist your bird. Watch as your parrot spreads its wings and enjoys the mini spa treatment. If your bird is not a fan of spraying water, providing a shallow dish of water or a wide extra water dish will allow a parrot to splash around, creating a fun and cooling experience for them. Baths not only help keep a bird cooler, it is great for helping feathers stay healthy and shiny.

Avoiding Direct Sun Exposure

Direct sunlight can quickly overheat your parrot, so make sure the cage or play area has a place where your bird can move away from any direct sun if necessary. If you take your bird outside, make sure there is always a shaded area away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating and discomfort.

Signs Your Bird is Too Hot

It's important to monitor your parrot for signs of overheating. If you notice your bird is open-mouth breathing or holding its wings away from its body, it may be overheated. Birds will hold their wings out away from their body so the air can circulate and help cool their body. Birds do not pant as other animals do when they are hot, but they may breathe with their mouth open and appear to be breathing more heavily. If you notice these signs, provide them with a cooler environment and access to fresh water immediately. Stressed birds may not drink anything until their body begins to cool down, so be patient and observant.

Just a few suggestions on ways to ensure your parrot stays cooler, more comfortable, and happier throughout the long hot summer.

So, keep cool and calm and parrot on!