You can tell when your bird is cold if it fluffs its wings and becomes lethargic to reduce its metabolic activity and conserve energy.
From parrots to parrots, owning a pet bird is one of the trends these days. These are animals that are very popular because they bring the house to life with their songs and are ideal for those who don’t have as much time to take care of other pets that need it. However, like all living beings, Birds need basic care, and we must not forget that these are animals that are very sensitive to cold.; Therefore, it is very important to give them the necessary protection when winter arrives.
How to tell if your bird is cold
Birds’ physiques are prepared to withstand the cold thanks to feathers that act as clothing and scales on their legs that mimic shoes. Birds are designed to live freely, and for this reason their bodies are prepared to cope with low temperatures, even if they seek shelter during rain or frost. However, When it comes to poultry, they have to deal with the temperatures they are exposed to.and in many cases they are not used to the cold.
There are ways to tell if your bird is cold and if you need to take action.To find out if your pet needs more warmth, observe his behavior. If you find this spread his wings This is a sure sign that they are cold, as it is a mechanism they use to expand in size, provide better cover, and retain body heat. Also, you should be on guard if you see this the animal remains motionless or appears lethargic, as a consequence of a decrease in its metabolic activity. Birds develop this strategy to conserve calories and reduce their cardiorespiratory rate.
How to prepare a bird cage so it doesn’t freeze
As winter approaches, you should make the following changes to your bird’s cage to prevent the cold from causing problems:
- Choosing a good feeder This can be key in the fall and winter, especially if the area where your pet’s crate is located is outdoors, as there are some models designed to keep food out of moisture. This will prevent bacteria from growing in the grains and foods you feed.
- Although birds live on their feet, your pet you can buy him a nest to curl up with and rest, on which you can put a little cotton wool to make it warmer.
- To protect the cage from the cold, cover it with a blanket., although you should always leave some room for oxygen to flow. It is also recommended to leave space between the fabric and the rods so that the bird cannot grab the blanket.
- There is an option buy covered or partially covered cages, this idea is especially recommended for species less tolerant of cold, or for cages located on terraces or gardens. However, it is very important that there is always light and oxygen supply.
Tips to help your bird stay warm
When cold temperatures set in, you need to take precautions to prevent your pet from catching a cold and deteriorating its health. Among the considerations to take into account is the location of the cage, as you must keep it away from drafts and prevent them from coming into contact with the cold outside. Besides, do not place it too close to the heat source because the opposite effect may occur. Covering him up at night is also highly recommended as this is the part of the day where temperatures are at their lowest and the animal is inactive, an ideal situation for the cold to affect your bird’s defenses.
If you follow these tips, you will surely ensure that your bird does not catch a cold.On the other hand, you should have Be careful with heating as it helps make the room warmer but can dry out your pet’s eyes and airways.. Obviously, warmth helps protect birds from the cold, but prevents them from being too close to it and, above all, use a humidifier that maintains the humidity in the environment, always ensuring that it is not excessive. Additionally, you must be very careful when letting your bird out around the house if you want it to be active and able to stay warm, as there may be elements that can harm your bird, such as radiators, fireplaces or space heaters.
Foods that provide calories
Another recommendation to follow: Provide your pet with high-calorie foods containing fats, seeds are the most suitable food. With seeds, birds absorb nutrients whose energy is stored in the body and is more difficult to excrete than the energy provided by other foods such as carbohydrates. In this way, you will strengthen your immune system against the cold, although you should always be careful not to exceed the amount so as not to harm your health or cause cardiovascular or digestive problems. Also You can feed him foods rich in vitamin C, a nutrient designed to strengthen your bird’s immune system. and therefore makes them less vulnerable to colds and other diseases. You should know that many birds need to take this vitamin because they don’t produce it, so it’s always good that we provide it for them.
Cell conditioning is necessary at low temperatures.Finally, to be even more vigilant, pay special attention to whether your bird belongs to one of the coldest species. Birds from tropical regions, such as parrots, cockatoos or parakeets, tend to be the least tolerant of the cold, so you should further protect them from cold temperatures. Also make sure your pet has good amount of water and keep it clean, because in winter birds need to drink more fluids as the cold causes them to use up their fluid reserves more quickly. In addition, you should not give him food that is too cold to prevent him from catching a cold. And remember that birds need to bathe in water to clean their plumage and avoid parasites, so place it in warm water or even something hot to keep your pet from getting too cold, especially while drying it off.