The summer season is an eagerly anticipated part of the year. From sunbathing at the beach to enjoy a refreshing ice popsicle in your backyard, to picnics and outdoor adventures — there's no end to the list of fun things to do! Sadly, the summer season is not as much of a chirpy time for your pet bird, but with some love, care, and preparation, you can change that.
Your Bird in the Summer: What to Expect
The summer season can be hard on your pet bird for a few reasons.
Heat
Birds have a higher body temperature than humans, and they do not have sweat glands to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they are more susceptible to heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related health problems.
Sun Damage
Birds love the sunshine, but too much exposure to the sun's UV rays can be harmful. UV rays can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer in birds.
Dehydration
Birds lose water through their respiratory system, and hot temperatures can increase water loss. Dehydration can lead to a range of health problems and can even be life-threatening for birds.
Parasites
Warm weather can increase the risk of parasites such as mites, fleas, and ticks. These parasites can cause significant health problems for birds, including anaemia, skin irritation, and infection.
It is, thus, absolutely essential that you take the right steps to ensure that your feathered friend is not left vulnerable to these health hazards. Small, simple acts of care and prep for the summer can go a long way in helping your bird enjoy the summer as much as you do. Here are a few ways to help!
Getting Ready for the Summer With Your Bird
Temperature Control
As mentioned, birds face a huge disadvantage in the summer as they overheat quite easily. You can help them get through the high humidity and extreme temperatures by keeping your bird's Investing in an air conditioner or fan is a great way to both ventilate and cool down. You can also place frozen water bottles or cooling pads in the bird's cage to keep them feeling refreshed.
Hydrate
Dehydration poses a big risk for birds in the summer. Birds lose water through their respiratory system, so it is essential to ensure that they have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Consider adding a water bowl or a birdbath to your bird's cage and make sure to change the water frequently to prevent bacteria growth.
You can also offer fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon or cucumber, to help keep your bird hydrated.
Give Them Icy Birdbaths
Beat the heat by adding some ice into the mix! Pop a big block of ice into the birdbath and keep the water cool and fresh all day as the ice melts. Ice also helps keep the bath cleaner by stopping algae growth and reducing the number of pesky bugs that like to hang out in standing water.
Nutritionally Rich Food
A number one priority in the summer remains to give your bird a healthy and delicious diet! Veggies and fruits are a must since they're full of water and important nutrients that can give your pet's immune system a boost. So what's on the menu? Think fresh apples, juicy grapes, crunchy carrots, and leafy greens. And if you really want to up your bird's game, consider adding a healthy bird supplement to their diet. With all these tasty options, your bird will be feeling happy, healthy, and hydrated in no time!
Catch Some Sun
Summer is the perfect time for your bird to catch some rays, but it's important to do it safely! Too much sun exposure can be harmful, as UV rays can end up increasing the risk of skin damage. All the same, birds need sunlight for healthy feathers and vitamin D. To give them the best of both worlds, make sure their cage is in a shady spot or protected by a UV cover. If they like to chill outside, keep an eye on them in the early mornings when the sun is kinder. You can also set up a mini-fan to keep your friend feeling breezy and beautiful. So let the sun shine in, and enjoy a happy, healthy summer with your bird!
Bird-Proof The Environment
While it's ideal to keep your windows and doors open to let the fresh summer breeze in, this runs the risk of some safety hazards for your bird. Check for any holes in window screens, and make sure your bird is safe and secure in their cage or unable to fly when windows and doors are open. Keep your bird's living space free from harmful chemicals, gases, and unwanted critters like snakes or rats. And for those hot indoor days, a gentle fan can be a lifesaver for your bird's comfort.
Parasite Prevention
The hot weather can bring out creepy crawly parasites like mites, fleas, and ticks, which can cause major health issues for your feathered friend. Keep them safe by cleaning their cage often and giving them fresh bedding. If you want to go the extra mile, try using bird-friendly insecticides or natural remedies like diatomaceous earth to keep the pests at bay.
Caring for your bird in the summer can require putting in more effort than usual, but it's well worth it for your pet's good health. Don't let the sun get your bird down! These little actions can make a big difference to your pet's summer, ensuring that they get to enjoy the season just as much as you do.
