FINCHforum

We have an extreme heat warning for our area with estimated 108/111 due by mid week
With 100s all week long.

The 2 females for last 3 days have at times been breathing with their beaks very open tho we only got to 100 today
88 in apartment.
I have 3 fans now going
plus overhead ceiling fan but that is across the room from them.

The male I haven't seen do this except maybe when they foolishly all 3 huddle together in this heat.

He mainly sings and the females r more active which is why I think they get overheated more?

They have a double flight cage and enjoy flying.

If I moved them to a small cage for the summer would that likely help them or not really in a hot and stuffy apartment?

I found someone who is willing to give them a good home and pick them up on Monday.

I am mostly homebound due to health difficulties and they r my company and really cheer me up. But having them die on me would be worse.

zebsoc

I'd be offering them frequent cool baths, which will help them keep cool.

Breathing with their beaks open is normal when it's hot, just like dogs panting, it helps them cool off.

I would not put them in a small cage.

Sorry to hear about your health issues.

If the birds are company for you, I'd keep them, and leave them in the large flight cage. As Elana said, they are just keeping themselves cool. You can help with frequent baths or even misting the birds with a sprayer. The birds should be able to cope with the heat.

zebsoc. When it is really hot in my house I always shut my birds lights off on one side of there cages,even though they dont really give of heat they get a shady side of the cage to go to if they want,most of the finches are from really warm climates so I am more concerened in the winter drafts here in New England.Best of luck keeping yourself and your birdies cool over your hot days

Lovezebs
Sally
Barbara

Thank you for your responses and help.

My birds r being very difficult about baths lately.
Last summer they gladly took baths any time I put a bath in their cage.
Even 2 -3 x per day.
But now they will only take a bath 1 x and then ignore.
I tried the bath that was their favorite last summer but made a whole lot of mess since it was completely open so i didnt use it during the winter
but so far they won't use it at all now. They used to be so curious but now they r so skittish and set in their ways.

I'm relieved to know open beak is ok and not a sign they're about to die on me.

I'm I doing something wrong that they've become so skittish lately?

Has something changed in their surroundings?

wildbird

They've been this way for a while.
Maybe because it's spring and they r mature enough this year to be interested in nesting?
They're so flighty sometimes. Like they'll sufdenly get scared, but it seems to be something outside.
Maybe a cat or some large bird in the vicinity. Not something I can pointpoint myself.

Maybe I should have diversified their environment more.

Or maybe because they r near a window but I thought they needed that, plus on place I have in my apartment to keep them.

I'm truggling badly with my health with this heat wave

Everything - worth over $1, 000 for $50
The person was going to come tomorrow Tue but now can't until Thursday.
If any wants that can pick up sooner.
Central California

2 cages double wide with divider 
3 society finches
10 pds of Zupeem
5 pds Lafeber Company Finch Granules (they love this food)Remind me it is in the frig
Several bird baths
Several food dishes
2 full unused sets of paper rolls for bird cages 
About 15 pds25 pds white millet seed
Several pds of regular seed
Several perches and toys

everything below together with my 3 society finches
To a Good home
Everything $50 total

I'm so sorry you are having such health problems. It can really be a struggle to cope at those times, so I understand your concern. I hope someone is able to take these birds soon, and I certainly hope that your health improves--that is the most important thing right now!

zebsoc. So sorry to hear your feeling poorly,If you were in mass I would snatch your offer up society are my fav.Best of luck

zebsoc

I am so sorry to hear that your health is forcing you to part with your pets. That is an generous offer and I hope someone snatches that up to help you. I hope you feel better soon

Sally
lem2bert

Thank you

Barbara
Thank you

Barbara
I'm so sorry to hear about your health issue. I have an outdoor aviary and it gets 100 to 102 in there already....and it's only June! I would suggest a circulating fan to move the air. Put the cage on the floor and away from the window where there is probably more heat. I use a spray bottle for my indoor cockatiels where I can mist them, which they love and it cools them off. My outdoor birds love the bath but my indoor cockatiels like to be misted. Hope this helps. My birds in the aviary breath open mouthed and sometimes hold their wings out away from their body. If they have been spooked and are flying around they will get more heated. Maybe being away from the window, they will be more calm and stay a little cooler, especially being on the floor.

Sending you a big hug and hope you are feeling better. Best of luck!

Jen you hit my name instead of zebsoc