[MananGaur]

I want to know if my cockteil is actually feeling cold! There are no ACs but just fans at normal speed and rainy days here! I wanna know if he's feeling cold! Is there any way to know if my teil is feeling cold or too hot? Also, how much this type of change in temperature affect their health?
PS- They are not having a runny nose, nor sneezing!

 

[Vickitiel]

If they are cold, their feathers will be really fluffed up. Their feet will feel cold too. They also fluff up when they are getting ready for sleep, this is normal but if your cockatiel is fluffed up all the time this can mean he is cold, or sick.

When they are overheating, their feathers will look sleek and smoothed down, their beak is open and they pant, and they hold their wings slightly away from their body in an effort to cool themselves down. If you see this, a light spray with some water will help your 'tiel to cool off.

Roughly what temperature is it in your area?

 

[MananGaur]

Temperature in my area these days is between 26-35 C* ..And today it's 34!

 

[Vickitiel]

That's quite warm although not uncommon in their native country Australia. They are capable of tolerating high temperatures as well as cold but generally anything above 30 C and I notice my 'tiels start feeling a bit too hot (panting, holding wings away from their body, etc).

Giving your 'tiels a daily mist with a spray bottle should help in keeping them cool. Make sure they always have plenty of clean water too. Try to keep them out of direct sunlight. Sunlight is good for them but they need some shade to get away from the direct heat.

 

[MananGaur]

Thanks for such a detailed reply 🙂 One more thing given the temperature of my area around 30*C , Do I still need to cover cage at night? I believe it will make her feel more than necessary warmth and she will feel humid and a bit suffocated...So Should I cover the cage?

 

[Vickitiel]

That depends on what you cover the cage with. A light sheet is perfect during the hot months. I still recommend covering the cage because it helps them to sleep easier and you can ensure that your birds are getting enough sleep by controlling their darkness with the cover.