Temperature Regulation of birds

Birds do not sweat, but they have developed other strategies to stay cool in very warm conditions. Most birds will hold their wings out to cool off. If water is available, they will bathe and cool as the water evaporates. Another cooling technique in birds is panting. In many cases involving pet birds, panting is a sign that the bird is seriously overheated. Panting involves a more rapid breathing rate (more breaths per minute) and, in many species, a rapid fluttering of the throat. Fluttering causes heat loss from the mucus membranes of the throat and from heavily filled blood vessels.

Overheated birds will often have hot feet, red nares (nasal openings), and hot beaks. The bird's breath will feel obviously hot against your skin. This is an emergency, and you should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on cooling the bird. While holding the wings out, panting, and hot feet and beaks may be signs of overheating, they can also signal other problems such as fever or respiratory distress. You should quickly evaluate your bird's environment to determine whether overheating is the likely cause of distress.

If it is clear that the bird has been overheated, your veterinarian may recommend that you place the bird in a shallow pool of tepid water (not cold water, as this could bring on shock in the bird). Be careful that the bird's beak and face are not covered with water. The bird must not inhale any water. Allow the bird to stay in the water until the nares return to a normal color and the bird's breath is a normal temperature. Then, return the bird to a cage placed in an area that is not too warm.

Feathers provide good insulation for any bird and, within limits for each species, provide protection from low temperatures. Birds will often sit with their feathers covering their feet to reduce heat loss when it is cold. Fluffing their feathers also helps protect against the cold. Sitting with their darkest colored feathers toward the sun is a technique used by some birds to absorb additional heat. While tropical birds, especially canaries, are less susceptible to chilling due to drafts than has often been reported, abnormally cool temperatures are not good for your bird's health.

If your bird is fluffing its feathers for extended periods or sitting on its feet, it may be chilled. Check the air temperature close to the cage and along its sides. Your bird may be exposed to cold drafts or air that is colder than appropriate. Cages placed close to windows are often colder than other areas of the room. Relocating the cage to a warmer spot can help your bird feel more comfortable and stay healthy.Fluffed feathers may also be a sign that your bird is seriously ill. If your bird is fluffing its feathers for an extended period, the bird should be checked for health problems.