Parakeets are lovely small birds with feathers covering their whole bodies. They are tropical birds that are used to warm environments. Nevertheless, you may be curious to know if parakeets get cold, especially when you live in places that are quite chilly all day, so as to know the right precautions to maintain their warmth.
Yes, parakeets do get cold. Parakeets can get cold when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter, the temperatures are always low, and they can affect your parakeet’s body temperature. Similarly, environmental temperatures also drop at night since there is no natural heat like the sun, thus impacting the coldness of these birds.
Parakeets are usually tropical birds that are used to warm environments. They can be delicate and susceptible to diseases when exposed to too much cold, which is deadly. Too low temperatures cause these birds’ physiological, mental, and behavioral problems.
Therefore, to keep your parakeets in good health, consider maintaining optimum temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which will help them thrive without experiencing discomfort. You can use a thermometer to check the temperatures regularly.
What Temp Is Too Cold for Parakeets?
Temperatures below 38 degrees Fahrenheit are considered too cold for parakeets. In this case, their physiology is usually at stake, as these birds suddenly become inactive and show other signs of developing the illness.
Take the necessary precautions, like getting a parakeet’s heat lamp, before your birds die.
How Can I Tell If My Parakeet Is Cold?
If your parakeet is cold, it shows some symptoms, such as:
1. Shivering
Shivering is usually an involuntary defense mechanism in animals when they feel cold. Usually, it makes muscles and bones shake vigorously to generate warmth in cold temperatures. Shivering helps birds survive the cold environment.
Nevertheless, it is important to take the appropriate and immediate step of making your parakeets warm once they show signs of shivering.
2. Lethargic
Usually, a parakeet becomes lethargic after its bones and muscles have been vigorously shaken. They become exhausted and dull since they lack the energy to become active and playful.
3. Fluffing Up Its Feathers
In most cases, parakeets usually fluff their feathers to trap air. This air forms a thin layer as a cushion to prevent bird heat loss. Mostly, parakeets fluff their feathers more often, which sometimes looks messy.
4. Tucking in Their Heads
Parakeets are birds that have various adaptations that help them fight the extreme cold. They usually tuck their heads into their necks to prevent heat loss. This adaptation helps parakeets become warmer in cold environments.
5. Hibernating
This is where birds go into a deep sleep when feeling cold to help their bodies generate warmth. You will find your parakeet sleeping in a different pattern than usual. This is usually common during the winter.
6. Crouching
Parakeets usually lose heat through their feet and feathers. But, during cold weather, they crouch to prevent heat loss through their feet.
Furthermore, they tuck one of their feet in the feathers to generate more heat. Remember, crouching is also a sign that your parakeet is getting ready to sleep.
7. Aggressive
Since your parakeets are not comfortable with cold temperatures, they become very angry and start fighting and even biting each other.
This aggressiveness is because they are upset about the cold. Act immediately on this sign to avoid having bruised parakeets.
8. Move to One Corner of the Cage
If your parakeets are more than one, you will find them in a corner close together to maintain warmth.
This helps them share warmth through their feathers. It is, therefore, important to provide heat in their cage to help curb the situation.
9. Wet Mucous Membrane
If parakeets are exposed to too much cold, they start having slimy fluid mucus run through their mucous membranes. This is a sign that your parakeet is very cold and needs heat and treatment.
10. Sneezing
Sneezing is usually a sign that your parakeet is catching a cold. Parakeets randomly sneeze, especially when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider covering your parakeet or using a parakeet heat lamp for warmth.
How Do I Keep My Parakeet Warm?
Below are five tips to consider when you want to keep your parakeet warm:
1. Installing a parakeet heat lamp to maintain warmth during cold seasons.
2. Cover your parakeet’s cage with a warm cover when the temperatures are extremely low. Remember to allow some ventilation to avoid suffocation.
3. Installing a heating pad underneath a bird’s cage.
4. Improving your parakeet’s adaptability by exposing it to cold, thus making it more resistant. Usually, it is important to monitor the effects to avoid harming your parakeet.
5. Installing a thermos perch where it will hop onto once it feels cold.
You now know what to do if your parakeet has a cold instead of panicking.
Should I Cover My Parakeets at Night?
Yes, it is important to cover your parakeets at night. In most cases, temperatures usually fall below average at night, making your parakeets catch cold. Thus, covering your parakeets with a warm cover will help maintain warm temperatures at night.
Similarly, ensure you leave some spaces for ventilation that will allow free air circulation, preventing suffocation.
Can Parakeets Die from Cold?
Yes, parakeets can die from a cold. These birds are prone to deadly effects when exposed to too much cold.
Mainly, they are adapted to living in warmer places; cold temperatures around them can lead to illness and death if no precautions are taken.
Why Is It Important to Prevent Your Parakeet from the Cold?
Since parakeets are tropical birds, extreme cold can cause deadly effects like:
1. Developing pneumonia.
2. Inactiveness.
3. Hypothermia
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Weight loss.
6. Emaciation.
7. Death.
Therefore, preventing colds in parakeets will help maintain them in good and healthy conditions. Parakeets also become happy when they are in a conducive environment, as it cheers them up and enables them to be playful.
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