Tips and tricks for your flying family member!

In this issue:

• Air-conditioning and your p'let

• Molting - what every p'let "parront" should know

• Available babies!

• Previous newsletters 

Air-conditioning and your p'let

Needless to say, with the temperature starting to rise, we will all be reaching to lower the thermostat. With that action on the horizon, it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the factors regarding air-conditioning that can have an impact of the health of your flying family member.

First, let's take a look at the temperatures associated with the natural habitat of parrotlets in South America, primarily Ecuador and Peru. The usual fluctuation in these habitats is between 65 and 90 degrees. Given that we usually keep our temperatures at home between 65 and 80 degrees, there should be no problem with the temperature itself. There are several considerations and precautions that we can take in addition to temperature that will help provide the safe, healthy environment that our p'lets deserve.

Thoughts for your consideration:

• Did you know...that the conditioned air coming from the diffuser, either in the ceiling or floor, can be 10 degrees, or more, colder than the air in the room? If your bird is close to the vent, he/she is exposed to this chilled air. This cold draft can definitely cause problems for birds with sensitive respiratory systems. The answer can be as simple as creating a screen with which to divert that colder air from being blown directly on the bird. A screen can be as simple as creating a "curtain" of sorts or blocking this colder air with a piece of furniture or a large leafed plant. Anything that blocks the air until it is mixed, and warmed, by the existing air is helpful. Additionally, there are very inexpensive clear plastic shields, called deflectors, ready made for floor and ceiling vents.

  See the link to these types of diffusers below.

   

• Did you know...that the rotational direction of the ceiling fan blades can provide additional cooling, in summer (counter clockwise rotation), or warming (clockwise rotation), in the winter? With this factor taken into account, you can reduce your thermostat control by several degrees without feeling discomfort. Not only would you cut down on the amount of chilled air coming from the air-conditioner, you would also be reducing your costs associated with summer cooling.

  See the link to the infographic provided by Hunter fans below.

   

• Did you know...that you can assist your pet becoming better acclimated to cooler, conditioned air by reducing the temperature a couple of degrees at a time over the course of several days? This gradual reduction of temperature is preferable to a quick change, especially since birds have sensitive respiratory systems.

   

• Did you know...that is may be a wise idea to keep a thermometer in your parrotlet's cage area. Temperature within a household can vary widely due to things like solar load on windows, ducting that is not balanced, etc. These types of factors can create areas within the house that are warmer or cooler than the area where your household thermostat is located. Having a separate thermometer in your bird area allows you a more accurate picture of the humidity and temperature surrounding your pet.

  ***these links are provided for informational purposes only. No compensation is received for providing these links.

Molting - a few things to know

Available Babies!

Pictured above are two babies that are currently available. Both of these chicks are hand tamed and will make wonderful additions to any loving home. The male is a strikingly colored green and the female is a pied, green whose yellow highlights should become more brilliant as she matures.

Contact me for additional pictures and information.

Don't forget to check out our previous newsletters for information and resources...