27/01/2025
Today is going to be a hot one, please remember your feathered friends during this weather as well as your furry friends.
Birds are highly susceptible to heat stroke during these conditions. SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE IN BIRDS
1. High body temperature
When the surrounding temperature surpasses 26.7ºC, birds start to experience a condition referred to as heat stress. If measures are not taken to reduce this temperature, it is likely to escalate rapidly, potentially leading to heat stroke in the birds.
2. Erratic movements and strong breathing
One of the initial indicators of heat stroke in birds is the presence of erratic and disoriented movements.
- The bird may exhibit a posture where its feathers are flattened against its body, and its wings are held away from the body, as it attempts to reduce its body temperature.
- It may also breathe with its beak open in an effort to intake more air, resembling a state of exhaustion.
3. Tremors and convulsions
When birds are on the verge of experiencing heat stroke, the symptoms can differ significantly. During this period, the bird often remains grounded, appearing weak and lethargic. It seems as though it has lost the strength to take any action to prevent the impending heat stroke.
Soon after, the bird may start to exhibit tremors and convulsions. This represents a critical juncture, as it may be close to losing consciousness. At this stage, its capacity to respond is severely diminished, and your window for intervention is very limited. It is essential to cool the bird promptly, but care must be taken to avoid causing thermal shock.
HOW TO PROTECT BIRDS FROM HEAT STROKE
To prevent the critical threshold that could jeopardize a bird's life, it is essential to take proactive steps against heat stroke in avian species. Implementing preventive measures ahead of time will enhance the likelihood of survival for these animals, especially during summer months and in particularly warm regions. This consideration is especially crucial for birds that, due to their species, life stage, or health condition, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of increasing temperatures.
1. Attend to weather forecasts and high temperature alerts to make decisions accordingly.
This action is crucial, particularly when you plan to leave your home and the bird or birds will remain unattended. It is important to assess and adjust their environment, allowing them to choose suitable areas that provide comfort, with shaded spots being the most beneficial.
When it comes to setting the air conditioning, it is advisable to keep in mind that direct exposure to cold air from a fan or air conditioning unit is not suitable for them.
2. Leave plenty of fresh water at your disposal.
Preventing heat stroke is crucial for maintaining proper hydration.
It is advisable to proactively address potential issues by having multiple water containers available, as accidents that may cause one to spill are always a possibility, albeit rare. Additionally, there may be instances where it takes longer than expected to return home.
3. Refresh the birds on very hot days
When the temperature surpasses 26.5ºC, it is essential to implement further strategies to cool the birds, such as misting them with water, ensuring that this is done safely and without subjecting them to drafts.
Additionally, measures like lowering blinds or frequently refreshing bathing water are effective in preventing heat stroke in birds.
Also Please leave fresh water dishes in shady areas outside for our native friends
