Supplemental Heat for the Avian Patient

Key Points

  • Maintain incubators at approximately 80-90°F (26-32°C).
  • Warm fluids before administering them to avian patients.
  • Apply sterile saline to avian patients instead of alcohol whenever possible.

Small birds face an enormous task in maintaining their body temperature, especially in a cold environment, but fortunately plumage provides an effective barrier to heat loss. Down feathers trap air and allow little convective movement of heat to occur. Fluffing feathers increases insulation and . . .


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References

Jenkins JR. Avian emergency and critical care. Proc Annu Conf Am Board Vet Practitioners. 2005.

Jenkins JR. Avian critical care and emergency medicine. Altman RB, Clubb SL, Dorrestein GM, Quesenberry K (eds). Avian Medicine and Surgery. W.B. Saunders Company; Philadelphia, PA. 1997. Pp. 839-845.

King, AS, McLelland J. Birds: Their Structure and Function. Baillière Tindall. 1983.