YES, UNFORTUNATELY, GREYS CAN GET SUNBURNED
It’s up to us to protect our Greys from getting burned by too much exposure to UV rays (sunburn). Since they cannot use sunscreen products, we have to use “mechanical” methods of protection. The best and easiest method is to provide them with a shady place to sit, play and eat that’s out of the sun. Shade not only protects from sunburns but also from getting overheated.
To provide shade you can either use a cage with a cover (a custom cover, like the Adventure Pack comes with), a towel or blanket draped over half of the cage, a patio/beach umbrella, or a canopy.
Providing partial shade is a good way of allowing your bird to decide for himself about how much sun he gets. Parrots have enough sense to come in out of the sun, unlike human children. Keep an eye on your bird just the same, if his face starts looking pink, or his feet/toes start taking on a reddish hue, then it’s time to get out of the sun altogether. In the event of sunburn, seek immediate assistance from your avian vet.
THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE IN THE SUN TO GET OVERHEATED
A bird’s feathers are not just for flying, they’re also excellent insulation against the cold. As such, they can be a problem when the temperature soars during the fairweather seasons. They can get overheated very easily and should be monitored during any heatwave. Check frequently for pink or flushed skin, panting, holding the wings away from the body and keeping the feathers “tight” against the body, these are all signs of overheating.
Prevention is the best way to deal with the possibility of overheating. When your bird is in his cage, you can use any fan to keep the air moving over him, which helps to keep heat from building up in his body. When your bird is out of his cage, more care needs to be used. An electric fan with a tight grid cage around the spinning blade, or a “tower” fan with no exposed blade, are the only safe choices to use when there is any possibility of the bird flying into or landing on the fan. Be cautious about the electrical cord, it doesn’t take much effort for a Grey to pierce the outer covering on a power cord, with tragic results. Never leave any parrot unattended within reach of plugged in electrical cords.
Adding ice cubes to your bird’s water dish will go a long way in keeping your Grey comfortable when the weather is very warm. Frequent sprayings with cool water and a daily drenching will help keep him cool and keep his skin hydrated. Frozen or semi-frozen fruit is a welcome treat during heatwaves and is also very good for him.
In the event that your bird becomes unexpectedly overheated (for example: he plays too rigorously on a hot day), have a fan blow directly on him and spray him down with cool water. If his symptoms persist, consult with your avian vet immediately, making it clear that this is an emergency.
BUG BITES
Mosquitoes will bite parrots just as readily as humans, so make sure you have mosquito netting for your bird’s cage. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and then again in the evening, so avoid going outside with your parrot at these times. Since the threat of West Nile virus, mosquito netting has become readily available, so you shouldn’t have any difficulties finding it in bedding departments, camping suppliers, and hardware stores. Prevention is the key to dealing with mosquito bites.
Ticks are a problem for people and their parrots. If you spend time with your bird in outdoor activities, such as walks on trails or through grassy fields, be prepared to give your bird a thorough examination after each excursion. Be sure to check yourself and your family too.
Lyme disease is carried and transmitted by several different types of tick. The disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria which enters the victim via the tick’s bite. This disease can be very debilitating, and is commonly misdiagnosed by family doctors unless the target-like bite mark can be seen. It is not known what happens to birds when bitten by an infected tick, but it’s certainly not worth the risk. A fine-mesh netting, such as mosquito netting can help protect your bird from possible exposure.
NEVER use insect repellent on or near any bird, it is toxic to their systems and must be avoided. When/if you use insect repellents on yourself, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after application, so you don’t get any on your bird, his toys or his dishes. NEVER allow your bird to beak or walk on any part of you that has insect repellent on it.
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