How hot is too hot?

[milihandra]

We're just melting here!, We need to replace the coil in our heat pump and may not get it done for about 5-6 days. There are several ceiling fans and a floor fan to keep us somewhat comfortable, but I'm worried about the little ones. The house temperature fluctuates from 80-86 degrees and of course because of the fans the fids have to stay cooped in.
I guess I'm tempted to have them stay with a friend/family or get boarding. Any suggestions? I know we're suffering but I'd hate to think of something happening to them! We've got a Tiel and a Nanday conure.

[Tinna]

Get a large bowl with crushed ice and give em a cold bath, or give em the option of bathing in it. When my conure and I go venturing out on hot days like this (when it's humid in the 90s) I keep a cold water bottle in the car so when we get out if he starts to pant I can douse him and he seems to be just fine. Just spritz the birds with cold water every so often the waters good for them and can help release heat. That and a cool bath wouldn't hurt either.

[tielmama]

Do they look like they're suffering? I know that seems hot, but I don't think it's too hot for the birds. Offering baths is a good idea, like Tinna said.

[jriley]

I think it's more a matter of what they're used to rather than the absolute temperature. We keep our house at around 80 in the summer and the whole household feels comfortable at that temperature because we're used to it. Most of our species come from places that can get pretty hot and steamy so they can definitely be comfortable in hot weather, but not if it's a sudden change from AC. Just keep an eye on them and watch for raised wings and/or panting. I honestly doubt temperatures under 90 will bother any pet bird species, particularly since they aren't under a hot sun at the same time.

When I had a pet rabbit eons ago, I used to freeze a not-quite-full plastic bottle of water and leave it in the cage for her to lean against when she got hot. Same idea might work for a bird. If you use 2-liter bottles, they are large enough to create a cool zone for several inches around them as they melt.

Julie

[Ginich]

I like the plastic bottle idea a lot. I often put ice cubes in my tiels water on hot days or if I have them on the porch. If for some reason, you can't cool down the house below 86 degrees, then put the fans on and just leave them in the cage and don't feel guilty! Of course, you could also put them in the bathtub and spray them either with the shower or hand spray; sort of like a pool party.....You will all feel a lot better...

[milihandra]

Thank you for all the suggestions! I'm sure we're suffering a lot worse than they are. No panting or raised wings yet but I'll certainly keep an eye out.

[BirdWhisperer]

Years ago, in the salad days when funds were very short, I lived in New York City. That summer was a swelter and the apartment did not have air conditioning. Here is what I called a "poor persons air relief."

Would put ice in a large bowl and put a fan behind it. The air from the fan blowing over the ice had a wonderful cooling effect. With the fids, I would be careful not to keep it up too long ... don't want them chilled. But it might help.

Hope it does.

[Tiki]

86F isn't so hot when you consider the natural habitat of the birds. Nandays are from southern Brazil and Tiels are from outback Australia. I worry more about them getting a chill from the AC.

[milihandra]

Thank you Tiki, I know Buddy is hot blooded, I was more concerned about the Tiel since I've got no knowledge of the climate in Australia!

[tielmama]

Milhandra, you could use the birdwhisperer's trick for the humans and sit back and watch your happy fids playing in there cages. With no panting, and water to drink, I'm sure they are fine too.