Get Darren’s bird care advice for all seasons
January 21, 2023
Caring for pet birds in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn can require some adjustments to ensure that they are healthy and happy throughout the year. Exotics enthusiast and Vet Darren Partridge at Molesey Vets has the following advice.
Before we dig in, Darren advises that it would be wise to book your pet bird in for a winter health check at our East Molesey practice, to ensure they are in great shape for the seasonal changes ahead.
Bird care throughout the seasons
Winter bird care
In the winter, Darren advises that it is important to make sure your pet bird has access to a warm and comfortable environment. This may require providing additional insulation or heat pads, or moving them to a warmer room in your home – avoid rooms with fumes from fires.
You should monitor the temperature of the room they are staying in. You can use a small electric heater to help keep the room warm, but be aware of the potential for dry air, as this can irritate your bird’s mucous membranes. To counteract this, you can try placing your bird’s cage in the bathroom while you take a warm bath, as the steam can help to restore a normal level of humidity in the air. Alternatively, you can invest in a humidifier to help maintain a healthy level of humidity in the room.
It is also important to make sure that your bird has plenty of fresh, clean water, as they may be more likely to become dehydrated in the dry winter air.
Your pet bird will also need adequate lighting to avoid unhealthy behaviour changes due to a reduced amount of daylight in the winter months; make sure to research the needs of your particular type of bird. Covering your bird’s cage with a sheet or blanket at night can also help to keep them warm and comfortable.
Spring bird care
In the spring, your bird will likely benefit from an increase in natural light and a more varied diet. As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, you can provide your bird with more time outside of their enclosure in an aviary to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. You can also offer them a wider variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods to help them get the nutrition they need.
Summer bird care
During the summer, Darren advises that it is important to protect your bird from the heat. This may mean providing additional shade and ventilation in their enclosure, as well as making sure they have access to plenty of fresh water. It is also a good idea to avoid exposing your bird to extreme temperatures, such as leaving them in a hot car or direct sunlight by a window or in an outdoor aviary for extended periods of time.
Autumn bird care
In the autumn, you can start to prepare your bird for the colder weather that is to come. This may involve providing them with additional insulation in their enclosure, such as blankets or heat pads to help them stay warm, and adequate lighting. You can also continue to offer them a varied diet and plenty of fresh water to help them maintain their health and wellbeing.
In summary, caring for pet birds in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn requires some adjustments to ensure that they are healthy and happy throughout the year. By providing them with the right environment, diet, and care, you can help to keep your bird happy and healthy no matter the season.
We hope you found Darren’s advice helpful and can start putting your bird care action plan together for 2023. As always, we’re here if have any questions or to book that health check for your bird – just call 0208 979 1384.
