Safe temp.

[Johnny]

Hello everyone!

I was wondering, what is the lowest temperature that macaw can handle outside? I am talking about home pet bird like G&G, if I take him out, what is the safest lowest temperature? (°C)

Thanks!

 

[Johnny]

Anyone please? I just want to know your personal opinion / experience

 

[plax]

Anyone please? I just want to know your personal opinion / experience

I'd say mid 60s to upper 70s (Fahrenheit) would be ideal. But temperatures somewhat outside of this range may be okay, especially for shorter periods. Some tropical birds can progressively acclimate to temperatures cooler than 60F and do well, but they require a gradual introduction to the lower temperatures. When in the warm sun there should always be shade available to your bird.

 

[sodakat]

Not Macaw specific but I've changed my mind completely about temperatures after building my outside aviary last summer. I live in South Dakota and it is hot in the summer and very, very cold in the winter. My birds were out a couple weeks ago when it was upper 30s for about 1/2 hour and I had to force them back inside.

To live outside, yes they need to acclimate, but just to go outside for a breath of air, I think they can enjoy a minute or two any time you are comfortable in normal clothing. Remember that a bird can trap air between their downy feathers and their colored feathers which insulates them.

 

[MonicaMc]

A healthy bird can endure below freezing temperatures for short periods of time. I've taken my mitred conure outside for some fresh air during the winter when there was snow on the ground, and he happily perched on the fence preening his feathers, ruffling them up and rearranging them, etc. He did not act cold in the least! Of course, we weren't outside for long, because *I* tend to get cold! If I'm cold, my feet tend to be freezing! (even with two pairs of socks on and shoes/boots) And I hate cold feet!


As mentioned, if you are planning on something other than a short trip outside, the bird would have to be acclimated to the weather before leaving them outside year round.

 

[plax]

Speaking of cold feet, be mindful that the bone and musculature structures within a bird's feet and legs are rather thin and uninsulated. Additionally, since birds don't have much body mass, their feet can easily serve as temperature conduits from which to lose significant amounts of body heat. Especially if they're sitting on a cold metal fence rail (or the like) in colder weather.

 

[MonicaMc]

I wouldn't think to put Charlie on a metal fence! I'd be afraid he'd somehow get stuck to the metal! The fence he's sat on was a wood fence.


The main thing is to just watch your bird for discomfiture. If the bird is visually cold and trying to stay warm or visibly overheated and panting, you need to do something. However, if the bird is enjoying the change in temperature just fine, then just watch for any signs of stress and enjoy being outside!

 

[horsesculpter]

Having spent part of her life living outside, Sunny isn't a big fan of cold weather. She happily plays outside with temps in the sixties or a little less and goes back and forth to the truck in any weather. She just fluffs up and says brrr. They can tolerate quite cold weather for short periods of time.

 

[Johnny]

Thank you guys, so if I get ir right, if we go for a 15 min walk outside, at around 0-10°C, it shouldnt be a problem ?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Thank you guys, so if I get ir right, if we go for a 15 min walk outside, at around 0-10°C, it shouldnt be a problem ?

According to the above posters NO...but it would be for me. I DESPISE the cold. :54: