How to Keep Pet Birds Cool in Summer

By
Adrienne Kruzer
Adrienne Kruzer, RVT, LVT
Adrienne Kruzer
Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.
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Published on 06/22/23
Reviewed by
Natasha Diehl
Natasha Diehl
Reviewed by Natasha Diehl
Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets.
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Amazon parrot in shady leaves.
Shade helps keep pet birds cool in the summer.

Getty Images/Gabriel Fontes

Also commonly referred to as heat distress, heatstroke is a serious condition that can affect many pets, including birds. Many birds are native to tropical environments, but if they aren't used to high heat or there is a sudden temperature increase, heatstroke can still happen.

If a bird's core body temperature gets too high, you may see it begin to open mouth breathe, pant, droop its wings, stand with its legs spread, be less active than usual, andact stressed．These signs can all indicate that your bird needs to be slowly cooled down and receive immediate veterinary attention. To prevent these issues from happening in the first place though, there are a variety of things you can do to help keep your bird cool in summer.

  • 01 of 10

    Air Conditioning

    Air conditioning units outside
    Air conditioning units can help keep your rabbit cool.

    Getty Images/DonNichols

    Air conditioning is an obvious choice for anyone that wants to keep their environment at a comfortable temperature. It can also prevent your home from getting too warm for your birds that live indoors. Be sure not to place your bird's cage directly under an air vent though as cool air blowing on your bird can chill the bird and predispose them to becoming ill.

  • 02 of 10

    Oscillating Fans

    Standing oscillating fan.
    Fans are a great way to keep your rabbit cool.

    Getty Images/AlexLMX

    If you don't have air conditioning or you need to cool your bird down, try turning on a fan. Setting a bowl of cold water with ice cubes in front of the fan will create cold air, but be sure not to let the fan blow directly on your bird or allow your bird to have direct access to the fan or its cord.

    An indirect breeze for a bird in a secure cage is the safest way to use an oscillating fan, but be aware your bird may be afraid of it. Slowly introduce your bird to these fans prior to use if you can to avoid stressing your pet out.

  • 03 of 10

    Ceiling Fans

    Ceiling fan - white
    Ceiling fans can be useful even if you have air conditioning.

    Getty Images/Busà Photography

    A ceiling fan in your indoor bird's room can help maintain a comfortable room temperature both with or without air conditioning. Be sure to never turn the fan on unless your bird is secured in a cage. Fan injuries are just as serious as heatstroke.

  • 04 of 10

    Open Windows

    Woman's hands opening a window to the outside.
    Opening your windows allows a breeze to enter.

    Getty Images/Grace Cary

    If you don't have air conditioning, there's a breeze, and your bird lives indoors, open a couple of windows to help keep air flowing in your home. Always use screens and watch your bird to ensure they aren't able toescape．这includes chewing through screens.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Window Curtains and Blinds

    Blackout curtains
    Blackout curtains are great at blocking hot sunlight.

    Getty Images/Андрей Клеменков

    Simply closing the curtains or blinds on a window will help block any sunlight from entering the room where your bird resides. This will help keep that room cooler for your bird.

  • 06 of 10

    Cold Produce

    Chickens outside eating watermelon.
    Watermelon and other fresh produce can help hydrate and keep birds cool.

    Getty Images/Argument

    Cold fruit and vegetables are popular,healthy treatsfor many pet birds and can also provide them with some added moisture. Cold produce can also rehydrate them in high heat.

  • 07 of 10

    Shade

    Conure on perch in shade.
    A shady spot to get out of the sun can help keep your bird cool if it's outside.

    Getty Images/winyoo08

    If your bird is outside in a cage or on a secure harness and leash, make sure they have shady places to rest in. Leafy tree branches, umbrellas, and other man-made structures can help keep your bird out of direct sunlight and make it feel 10-15 degrees cooler.

  • 08 of 10

    Spray Bottle

    Spray bottle with water in it.
    A nice mist of water can be sprayed on your rabbit.

    Getty Images/Carol Yepes

    Use a spray bottle to gently mist your bird. The evaporating water can help your bird cool off, especially if you spray it under their wings. Or, offer your bird their favorite way to bathe and put on running water to stimulate their reflex to take a bath.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Tiles

    Gray tiles
    Tiles can help your rabbit cool off.

    Getty Images/Xinzheng

    Put a piece of granite or ceramic tile in the fridge and give your bird the option to walk on the cool surface orplace their perches in the fridge for a cold perch temporarily for them to stand on. Some birds may stand on them and others may avoid them, but it's worth a try.

  • 10 of 10

    Ice

    Ice cubes
    Ice cubes can be placed in your rabbit's water bowl.

    Getty Images/Adrienne Bresnahan

    If you have a larger bird and want to give them a cool treat ortoy, a piece of ice is a great option. Your bird may simply lick it but many like to pick it up and crunch it.

FAQ
  • Can birds get heatstroke?

    While many pet birds do well in warm environments, heatstroke can still occur if your bird's body temperature gets too high. This is most common in environments that are above 104 degrees.

  • What are the signs of heatstroke in birds?

    Open mouth breathing, panting, lethargy, drooped wings, and a wide body stance are all signs of heatstroke in birds.

  • How can I tell if my bird is too hot?

    如果你的鸟是在热环境中(通常机汇er 104 degrees) and is beginning to exhibit symptoms of heatstroke, it is possible that your bird is too hot. If you attempt to cool them down and the symptoms resolve, they were likely too hot.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.