Parrots are beautiful, intelligent, and loving birds that need special care during the hot summer months. Just like humans feel uncomfortable and tired in extreme heat, parrots also struggle to handle high temperatures. Their small bodies can overheat quickly, which may cause health problems. Taking proper parrot care of your parrot in summer ensures they stay healthy, active, and happy.
In this guide, we will discuss simple and easy steps to take care of your parrot during the summer season.
1. Keep Your Parrot Cool
One of the most important things in summer is to keep your parrot cool and comfortable. Birds can easily overheat because they don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they cool themselves by panting or holding their wings away from their bodies.
Tips to keep your parrot cool:
- Keep the cage in a cool area: Place the cage in a room that stays cool and has good air circulation. Avoid putting the cage near windows where direct sunlight can hit.
- Use fans or air conditioning: If possible, keep the room temperature comfortable using a fan or air conditioner. But don’t blow air directly on your parrot; it can make them sick.
- Cool water baths: Offer a shallow dish of clean, cool water so your parrot can take a bath. Some parrots love misting. You can use a spray bottle with lukewarm or cool water and gently mist them once or twice a day.
2. Provide Fresh Water All the Time
Parrots need fresh, clean water at all times, but in summer it becomes even more important. Heat makes them drink more, and if water becomes warm or dirty, they may avoid drinking it, which can lead to dehydration.
Water tips:
- Change the water at least 2-3 times a day.
- Use a ceramic or stainless steel bowl (plastic can heat up and cause bacteria growth).
- Add a few ice cubes to keep the water cool, but don’t make it too cold suddenly as it can shock the bird.
3. Offer Summer-Friendly Food
Summer is a great time to give your parrot fresh fruits and vegetables that also help keep them hydrated.
Best summer foods for parrots:
- Watermelon, cucumber, apple (without seeds), grapes, mango, and papaya.
- Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and coriander.
- Corn on the cob and fresh peas.
Foods to avoid: Never give them avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or salty and oily foods because these can be toxic to parrots.
Keep in mind to wash fruits and vegetables well and remove seeds that are harmful (like apple seeds). Serve fresh food in the morning and remove leftovers after a couple of hours so they don’t spoil in the heat.
4. Keep the Cage Clean
In summer, food spoils quickly and bacteria grow faster, which can make your parrot sick. A clean cage is a healthy cage.
Cage cleaning tips:
- Remove uneaten food and droppings daily.
- Wash the food and water bowls every day.
- Once a week, give the cage a deep clean with safe bird-friendly cleaning products or mild soap and water.
5. Protect from Direct Sunlight
Never leave your parrot’s cage in direct sunlight for a long time. Birds can suffer from heatstroke very quickly, which can even be life-threatening.
If you take your parrot outside for some fresh air:
- Place the cage in a shaded area.
- Do it in the morning or late evening when it’s cooler.
- Always stay nearby and supervise them.
6. Watch for Signs of Overheating
It’s very important to recognize the signs of overheating in parrots. If your parrot is too hot, they may show these symptoms:
- Panting or breathing heavily
- Holding wings away from the body
- Lethargy (looking tired or weak)
- Loss of appetite
If you notice these signs:
- Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately.
- Offer cool (not cold) water.
- Mist them gently with water.
- If they don’t improve quickly, contact a vet immediately.
7. Ensure Good Ventilation
Fresh air is important, but avoid hot, stuffy rooms. Keep windows slightly open if safe, or use fans (not directly pointed at the parrot). A well-ventilated space helps keep your bird comfortable and reduces stress caused by heat.
8. Avoid Travel During Peak Heat
If you need to travel with your parrot in summer, do it early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Always cover the travel cage partially with a breathable cloth to provide shade. Keep water available and never leave your parrot in a parked car, even for a few minutes, because cars heat up very fast.
9. Give Attention and Playtime
Parrots love interacting with their owners, and summer is no different. Spend time playing and talking with your parrot. Just make sure they are in a comfortable temperature while playing. Provide safe toys to keep them mentally active and happy.
10. Veterinary Care
Regular check-ups with an avian vet are important, especially during summer when parrots are more prone to dehydration and heat stress. If your parrot shows signs of sickness like breathing difficulty, feather loss, or unusual behavior, seek veterinary help immediately.
Conclusion
Taking care of parrots in summer is mostly about keeping them cool, hydrated, and comfortable. Always provide clean water, fresh food, and a safe, cool environment. Regular cleaning and monitoring help prevent health issues. Remember, parrots are sensitive and rely on you for their well-being. By following these simple tips, your parrot can enjoy the summer season happily and stay healthy.
