Ask Lafeber

Heat stroke

how to manage heatstroke in birds?

Hi Leah,

You don’t want to cool the bird down too quickly. Stand him on a damp towel or in a shallow dish of tepid or tap water – not cooled water. Lightly mist with the same type of water – again not cooled water – lift the wings to get water against the skin. A bird in heat distress will pant, and stand with his legs slightly spread and his wings drooped. You can tuck wet cotton balls under each wing where the water can make contact with the wing web and the body. Transport the bird to a Vet as soon as possible if the heat distress is severe, so that the Vet can administer fluids.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda