Bhubaneswar: Similar to most animals, summers are challenging for birds. Though it’s true that birds do not require as much water as mammals, they do lose a lot of water through respiration and require some water at least a couple of times during summer. So, bird lovers have to take extra care of their feathered pals during summer. Apart from stray animals, birds are among the most vulnerable. So, this is the season when we can do our bit to help them cope up with the blistering heat.
Keep water for them
Every morning, do not forget to keep aside a bowl of water in your balcony or a place that’s accessible to birds. Make sure that the bowl is clean and you pour fresh water into it every day. As this is for birds, it’s important to select a proper bowl that they can dip their beaks into and quench their thirst. If you have space in your terrace/balcony, spare a small place for birds to rest. An old shoe box stuffed with some hay could shelter them from scorching heat.
Pest prevention
Gruelling heatwave conditions can bring out creepy crawly parasites like mites, fleas, and ticks, which can cause major health issues for feathered friends. Keep them safe by cleaning their shelter place and feeding bowls. You can use bird-friendly insecticides or natural remedies like diatomaceous earth to keep the pests at bay.
Create cool environment
If you have pet birds, keep their cage in an area which is not subject to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If you have air conditioning, use it to create a cooler environment for your feathered friends. You can also place ice packs (in a cloth) near the cage for additional cooling relief during scorching days. As mentioned, birds face a huge disadvantage in the summer as they overheat quite easily. You can also place frozen water bottles or cooling pads in the bird’s cage to keep them feeling refreshed.
Offer summer fruits to birds
Give your birds frozen foods such as fruits, veggies, and yogurt drops as treats throughout the day as a way to help keep their bodies cool from the inside out. Additionally, offer crushed ice or small pieces of ice cubes as snacks or treats throughout the day. Too much cold food may cause digestive issues for your bird so only offer small amounts at a time.
Give Them Ice Bath
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.
