There are a few reasons why your budgie might be overheated.
Budgies could be too hot because they are sick or have just done a lot of exercise. The room might be too warm for them, too. Panting isn’t necessarily a sign of overheating, so you may need to investigate further to find out what the problem really is.
This article will tell you how to determine whether your budgie is too hot or whether they are panting for other reasons.
It will also tell you what to do to cool down your bird and when it’s time to get the vet involved. I hope you find it helpful.
Reasons That Budgies Get Too Hot
The main reason why budgies get too hot is because of the ambient temperature. You should not let your budgie’s environment get above 85 degrees Fahrenheit; ideally, you also want their enclosure to be below 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your budgie will also get hotter while flying because its little wings are working hard to keep it in the air.
Overweight budgies tend to be less comfortable in warm weather. The excess fat is already putting pressure on their organs, so it’s harder for them to cope with extreme temperatures.
How to Prevent Your Budgie From Overheating
Heatstroke is really dangerous for birds, so it’s best to prevent them from overheating rather than treat it when it has already happened.
Here are a few tips to help:
- Keep the cage out of direct sunlight and provide shady areas in the cage.
- If you keep your birds outside, make sure there are plenty of shady plants around and take them somewhere cooler during a heatwave.
- Make sure there is plenty of fresh water for drinking and bathing.
- Open windows to let a draft into the room where you keep your birds.
- Never leave your budgie in a hot car, even for a few minutes.
- Don’t cover your cage with a blanket. This is not a suitable shade solution because it will trap heat inside.
It can take as little as 15 minutes for your budgie to die from heatstroke, so you need to manage the temperature carefully!
Why Are My Budgie’s Feet Hot?
If your budgie trusts you enough to perch on your finger, you might notice that their feet are hotter on some days than others.
This is a good reflection of your budgie’s overall temperature. Hot feet could mean that your bird is too warm but it could also be a sign of sickness.
How Do I Know if My Budgie Is Too Hot? (Signs to Look For)
If your budgie is too hot, they will show some of the following signs:
- Spreading their wings to the side to try to cool down
- Panting
- Breathing with an open mouth
- Trying to find shade
- Bathing a lot or drinking a lot of water
If your birds get too hot and don’t get treatment, they can die of heatstroke.
So, it’s imperative to get help from your vet as soon as possible. Vets can give medication or supplements to restore electrolytes and help recovery.
Why Is My Budgie Panting?
Overheating isn’t the only reason why budgies pant.
They might be panting because they are scared, overweight, or out of breath after exercise. If it is not a hot day but your budgie seems to be breathing very fast and shallow, you should try to determine what might be stressing them out.
It could be that another pet, like a cat, is too close. It could also be due to exhaustion or a noise that is scaring your bird.
Prolonged stress can cause behavioral problems and health issues for your budgie, so you need to take this seriously and get to the root of the problem.
How Can I Cool Down My Budgie?
If your budgie shows signs of overheating, you should open windows to let a draft into the room. You also might need to move the cage to a shadier or cooler area but try not to make temperature changes too drastic.
Don’t try to cool down your bird with cold water if they get too hot, as the sudden temperature change can put them into shock. Instead, make sure they have plenty of water and offer them a tepid water bath.
If your budgies aren’t getting better immediately, you might need to take them to the vet for life-saving treatment.
Final Thoughts
Budgies are native to Australia, so they are used to warm climates. You shouldn’t worry too much about the heat, because the cold can be equally bad for them.
Just keep an eye on your budgies’ environment and give them access to fresh water and shade at all times.
If you do notice that something is wrong, time is of the essence. Your vet is the best person to help your budgie recover. You can do more harm than good when you try to administer medical treatment without the appropriate training!
I hope you found this article helpful, and I wish you all the best with your birds.
More to read:
My name is Niels Joensen, and I’m the creator of Wings and Beaks. I got my first two budgies at the age of 13, and right away, I fell in love with these beautiful tiny birds. Wings and Beaks is where I share my knowledge and passion for budgies with other bird owners.
