Do Pet Birds Get Cold?

Yes, birds can become cold.

But the answer is more complicated than simply choosing one temperature that every pet bird must have.

Pet birds differ enormously.

A budgie, cockatiel, African grey, macaw, canary and pigeon do not have identical natural environments, body sizes or environmental histories.

Acclimation also matters.

A bird accustomed to a stable indoor environment may respond differently to temperature change than a pigeon housed in a protected outdoor loft.

There Is No Universal “Perfect Temperature” for Every Bird

Healthy companion birds generally do well in normal comfortable household conditions when they are already acclimated to them.

The biggest concerns are often:

• Sudden temperature swings
• Constant direct cold airflow
• Direct hot air from heating vents
• Overheating
• A bird that is already sick or underweight

A stable environment is usually more important than chasing an exact thermostat number.

Do Cold Drafts Cause Bird Respiratory Infections?

This is one of the most persistent pet-bird myths.

A draft itself does not create bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

However, constantly placing a bird directly in strong cold or hot airflow is poor environmental management.

Rapid temperature changes may also create unnecessary physiological stress.

The better rule is:

avoid direct airflow while maintaining good room ventilation.

Good Ventilation Is Not the Same as a Cold Draft

This distinction becomes especially important during fall.

Owners sometimes react to colder weather by sealing every window and reducing almost all airflow.

That can allow:

• Dust
• Feather dander
• Humidity
• Mold spores
• Household odors
• Aerosols

to accumulate indoors.

A bird benefits from clean air.

The goal is to maintain healthy air exchange without placing the cage directly in a stream of cold or hot air.

Where Should the Bird Cage Be in Fall?

Review cage placement before temperatures drop significantly.

Avoid placing the cage directly beside:

• Drafty windows
• Exterior doors
• Heating vents
• Air-conditioning vents
• Portable heaters
• Fireplaces
• Cooking areas

The cage should remain in a socially appropriate, clean and stable area of the home.

Why Windows Can Become a Problem in Autumn

A cage beside a large window may experience stronger temperature changes than the rest of the room.

Problems can include:

• Cold nighttime glass
• Direct drafts from poorly sealed frames
• Strong daytime sunlight
• Temperature swings

If the bird's usual summer location becomes noticeably colder in fall, moving the cage slightly inward may provide a more stable environment.

Heating Season Changes the Bird's Environment

The first day the heater turns on should trigger an environmental check.

Heating systems can:

• Dry indoor air
• Circulate dust
• Redistribute feather dander
• Move particles from vents
• Create direct hot airflow

A bird that begins sneezing soon after heating starts deserves both a health assessment and an environmental review.

Clean Heating Vents Before Heavy Seasonal Use

If possible, inspect the heating system before fall use.

Consider:

• Cleaning dusty registers
• Replacing appropriate HVAC filters
• Removing accumulated household dust
• Checking for unusual smells
• Keeping cages away from direct airflow

Portable Heaters and Birds

Do not assume every portable heating product is automatically safe around birds.

Heating devices may contain coatings, plastics or other components that release irritating or toxic fumes when heated.

Research the exact appliance before operating it near a bird.

Also prevent:

• Direct contact
• Burn injuries
• Overheating
• Access to electrical cords

PTFE and Nonstick Fume Danger

Birds are exceptionally sensitive to fumes released by overheated PTFE and some related nonstick coatings.

Potential sources may include certain:

• Nonstick cookware
• Self-cleaning ovens
• Air fryers
• Toaster ovens
• Waffle irons
• Heat lamps
• Hair dryers
• Heating elements

Severe exposure can cause acute respiratory injury and sudden death.

The safest policy is to keep birds far from cooking and potentially hazardous heated coatings.

Smoke and Pet Birds

Autumn and winter can increase indoor exposure to:

• Fireplace smoke
• Tobacco smoke
• Vape aerosols
• Incense
• Candles

Birds should be kept in a smoke-free environment.

Airborne irritants can contribute to respiratory and eye problems.

Perfume, Air Fresheners and Cleaning Sprays

Closed windows mean airborne household products may linger indoors longer.

Avoid spraying around birds:

• Perfumes
• Air fresheners
• Carpet sprays
• Aerosol cleaners
• Insect sprays
• Strong deodorizing products

The safest bird room smells like clean air—not perfume.

Autumn Humidity and Dry Indoor Air

Indoor heating often decreases humidity.

Very dry air can make skin, feathers and respiratory tissues feel less comfortable.

Appropriate humidity can be beneficial.

But humidity management must not create a new problem.

Humidifiers Can Help—and Can Also Cause Problems

A clean humidifier can increase room humidity.

A dirty humidifier can become a source of:

• Mold
• Bacteria
• Contaminated aerosols

Follow cleaning instructions rigorously.

If the machine cannot be kept exceptionally clean, it may create more respiratory risk than benefit.

Never Assume More Humidity Is Always Better

Excessive dampness can encourage:

• Mold growth
• Wet cage materials
• Poor air quality

The goal is comfortable environmental humidity—not a damp bird room.

Autumn Mold Risks

Cooler wet weather can expose hidden moisture problems.

Inspect:

• Window frames
• Walls
• Ceilings
• Humidifiers
• Stored bird food
• Wet cage liners
• Outdoor aviary areas

Moldy food or nesting material should never be offered to birds.

Aspergillus and Mold Exposure

Aspergillus fungi are widespread in the environment.

High spore exposure from contaminated food, nesting material or poorly ventilated damp areas can contribute to serious avian respiratory disease.

Good storage, ventilation and moisture control are therefore part of preventive bird care.

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Bird Sneezing in Fall

An occasional sneeze after preening may not indicate illness.

Repeated sneezing deserves more attention when combined with:

• Wet nostrils
• Nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Reduced activity
• Changes in voice
• Tail bobbing
• Wheezing

For the complete respiratory differential, read:

Bird Respiratory Problems in Fall: Sneezing, Wheezing, Tail Bobbing & When to Worry.

Tail Bobbing and Open-Mouth Breathing Are Different From Feeling Cold

A bird experiencing significant respiratory difficulty may:

• Move its tail strongly with each breath
• Breathe through an open beak
• Stretch its neck
• Become weak
• Stop normal activity

These are medical warning signs.

Do not simply move the bird closer to a heater and assume temperature is the problem.

How to Tell Whether a Bird Is Too Cold

Behavioral clues can include:

• Persistent feather fluffing
• Seeking warmer areas
• Reduced activity
• Shivering in some circumstances

But these signs can also occur with illness.

A bird that remains persistently fluffed, lethargic or poorly responsive should be evaluated as potentially sick—not simply cold.

How to Tell Whether a Bird Is Too Hot

Possible overheating signs include:

• Panting
• Holding the wings away from the body
• Seeking cooler areas
• Agitation

Heating should always allow the bird to move away from excess warmth.

Sick Birds Have Different Temperature Needs

A sick bird may benefit from a warmer supportive environment because maintaining body temperature requires energy.

But supportive warmth does not treat the underlying disease.

And overheating a sick bird can create additional stress.

Veterinary guidance is especially important when a bird is weak, injured or unable to regulate its environment normally.

Autumn Molting and Pet Birds

Many companion birds show noticeable feather replacement around late summer and fall.

You may notice:

• Loose feathers
• Pin feathers
• More preening
• Temporary untidiness
• Slight behavioral sensitivity

Normal molt should remain a process of replacement.

Old feathers leave and healthy new feathers grow.

Normal Molt vs Abnormal Feather Loss

Investigate further when Autumn feather loss includes:

• Large bald areas
• Chewed feathers
• Broken feathers
• Severe itching
• Crusts
• Open skin lesions
• Failure of feathers to regrow

For the complete seasonal molt guide, read:

Pet Bird Molting in Fall: What's Normal, What's Not & How to Support a Healthy Autumn Molt.

Why Nutrition Matters More During Feather Replacement

Feathers require:

• Protein
• Essential amino acids
• Energy
• Vitamins
• Minerals

A bird undergoing a heavy molt needs adequate nutrition.

That does not mean adding every supplement available.

The foundation remains a nutritionally appropriate complete diet.

The Seed-Only Diet Problem

Seed-heavy diets remain a major nutritional concern in companion birds.

Many seed mixes are:

• High in fat
• Incomplete in important vitamins
• Incomplete in minerals
• Low in vitamin A

A bird may consume plenty of calories and still be nutritionally deficient.

Vitamin A and Autumn Bird Health

Vitamin A is especially important to healthy epithelial tissues.

Deficiency can contribute to problems involving:

• Respiratory tissues
• Sinuses
• Eyes
• Skin
• Feather quality

However, excessive vitamin supplementation can also cause harm.

Correct the entire diet rather than treating one vitamin as a universal solution.

Do Molting Birds Need Extra Protein?

Feather growth requires adequate protein and amino acids.

But a nutritionally complete diet may already supply appropriate amounts.

Dietary changes should reflect:

• Species
• Age
• Body condition
• Normal diet
• Veterinary assessment

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Browse Autumn Feather and Nutrition Support Carefully

BirdAntibiotic.com organizes supportive products into dedicated categories including:

• Bird Feather & Skin Care
• Bird Vitamins & Immune Boosters
• Bird Electrolytes & Rehydration

Supplements should support an appropriate diet rather than replace one.

Hydration Still Matters When Weather Becomes Cooler

Birds still require constant access to fresh clean water in fall.

Cooler temperatures may make owners pay less attention to water consumption than during summer.

That is a mistake.

Monitor:

• Normal drinking
• Water cleanliness
• Changes in consumption
• Droppings

Sudden Increased Drinking Can Be a Health Clue

A bird suddenly drinking much more than usual deserves attention.

Possible reasons can include:

• Diet
• Environmental changes
• Kidney problems
• Metabolic disease
• Other illness

Track trends rather than assuming seasonal weather is responsible.

Bathing Pet Birds During Fall

Birds do not need to stop bathing because Autumn arrives.

Normal bathing can support:

• Feather cleanliness
• Skin comfort
• Preening
• Pin-feather maintenance

Timing and drying become more important as indoor temperatures change.

Best Time to Bathe a Bird in Cooler Weather

Earlier in the day is usually preferable because it gives plumage plenty of time to dry before nighttime temperatures drop.

After bathing, the bird should remain in a comfortably warm, draft-free area.

Do Not Put a Wet Bird in Direct Heater Air

Strong direct heat can:

• Overheat the bird
• Dry skin excessively
• Create uncomfortable temperature changes

Allow natural drying in a comfortable environment.

Do Not Use Scented Bathing Products

For routine bathing, plain clean water is usually appropriate.

Birds preen material from their feathers and may ingest substances applied to the plumage.

Avoid unnecessary:

• Perfumes
• Soaps
• Essential oils
• Human hair products

Shorter Days and Bird Sleep

Fall changes natural daylight.

Indoor birds may still experience artificial lighting well into the evening.

A predictable day-night routine supports:

• Normal rest
• Behavior
• Hormonal balance
• Seasonal rhythms

Avoid keeping a bird under bright light continuously.

Does Every Bird Need Exactly 12 Hours of Darkness?

No single photoperiod should be applied blindly to every species and every season.

Species and reproductive biology differ.

The important general principle is:

provide a consistent, quiet and appropriate night period rather than an irregular schedule with constant artificial light.

Autumn Daylight and Hormonal Behavior

Changing daylight can interact with seasonal hormonal rhythms.

Owners may notice changes in:

• Territorial behavior
• Vocalization
• Pair bonding
• Molting
• Sleep patterns

Major behavioral changes should still be assessed in the context of the entire bird.

Exercise Should Continue in Autumn

Healthy birds still benefit from appropriate physical activity.

Indoor fall routines should include safe opportunities for:

• Flight where appropriate
• Climbing
• Foraging
• Play
• Movement between perches

Reduced daylight should not automatically result in reduced enrichment.

Autumn Enrichment

As birds spend more time indoors, increase opportunities for normal behavior.

Useful enrichment can include:

• Foraging toys
• Safe shredding materials
• Training sessions
• Rotating toys
• Safe natural perches
• Social interaction appropriate to the species

Fall Weight Monitoring

A gram scale is one of the most useful tools a bird owner can own.

Feathers can hide loss of body condition.

This becomes especially relevant during:

• Molting
• Seasonal dietary changes
• Respiratory disease
• Digestive illness

Weigh under consistent conditions and watch trends rather than one isolated number.

Why Autumn Weight Loss Should Not Be Blamed on Molt

A heavy molt requires nutrients, but substantial unexplained weight loss is not something to dismiss as normal seasonal feather replacement.

Weight loss plus:

• Poor appetite
• Abnormal droppings
• Weakness
• Respiratory signs

deserves veterinary evaluation.

Check Droppings Every Day

Changes in droppings can provide early clues.

Watch for persistent changes in:

• Consistency
• Volume
• Color
• Urine portion
• Urates

One unusual dropping may mean little.

A repeated change combined with other symptoms matters much more.

Birds Hide Illness

Pet birds may conceal weakness until illness becomes significant.

Early warning signs can include subtle changes such as:

• Sleeping more
• Talking or singing less
• Eating more slowly
• Moving less
• Sitting lower in the cage
• Reduced interest in toys
• Changes in social behavior

Do Not Assume a Fluffed Bird Is Simply Cold

Birds fluff their feathers for many reasons.

Persistent fluffing can occur when a bird is sick.

Look at the entire clinical pattern.

When a Bird Is Sick, Autumn Care Changes

A sick bird may need:

• A quieter environment
• Reduced unnecessary handling
• Easy access to food and water
• Appropriate supportive warmth
• Veterinary diagnosis

Supportive care helps conserve energy.

It does not cure the underlying disease.

Fall Biosecurity for Pet Birds

Autumn is also a major migration season for wild birds.

This matters most for:

• Outdoor aviaries
• Pigeon lofts
• Backyard poultry
• Birds that spend time outdoors
• Homes keeping both poultry and indoor pet birds

Wild-bird contact can introduce infectious agents into domestic bird environments.

H5N1 and Fall Wild-Bird Migration

Highly pathogenic avian influenza remains an important U.S. biosecurity concern.

Migrating wild birds can carry avian influenza viruses and contaminate:

• Water
• Soil
• Outdoor surfaces
• Equipment

Autumn therefore deserves renewed attention to biosecurity.

How to Reduce Wild-Bird Exposure

Where relevant:

• Prevent wild birds from sharing domestic bird feeders
• Prevent access to domestic drinking water
• Keep stored feed protected
• Clean outdoor equipment
• Avoid tracking contaminated material indoors on footwear

Dedicated Bird-Care Shoes Can Be Useful

If you care for outdoor poultry, pigeons or aviary birds, consider footwear used only around those bird areas.

Clean and disinfect as appropriate.

Do not walk through wild-bird droppings and then enter indoor bird areas without cleaning or changing footwear.

Quarantine New Birds

Autumn bird purchases, shows and transfers create opportunities for disease introduction.

A new bird can appear normal while carrying:

• Respiratory pathogens
• Parasites
• Protozoa
• Other infectious organisms

Quarantine allows time for observation before direct contact with established birds.

What to Monitor During Quarantine

Track:

• Body weight
• Appetite
• Droppings
• Breathing
• Eyes
• Nostrils
• Feathers
• Activity

Keep Quarantine Equipment Separate

Where practical, use separate:

• Water bowls
• Feeders
• Cleaning tools
• Transport cages

This reduces opportunities for cross-contamination.

Clean Before You Disinfect

Disinfectant works poorly through heavy organic debris.

A good cleaning sequence is:

1. Remove droppings, feathers and debris
2. Wash surfaces appropriately
3. Apply an appropriate bird-safe disinfectant according to its label
4. Allow surfaces to dry completely

Waterer Hygiene in Autumn

Cool weather does not make water hygiene less important.

Drinking containers can accumulate:

• Food particles
• Biofilm
• Feather debris
• Droppings

Provide clean fresh drinking water every day.

Feeder Hygiene

Discard damp or spoiled food.

Do not allow moisture to accumulate in dry-seed storage.

Inspect bulk bird food for:

• Mold
• Unusual odor
• Moisture
• Pest contamination

Parrot Autumn Care

Large parrots may be particularly affected by household seasonal changes because they often live closely with their owners.

Review:

• Indoor air quality
• Heating safety
• Diet
• Sleep schedule
• Exercise
• Feather condition

African Grey Autumn Care

African greys require particular attention to:

• Balanced nutrition
• Enrichment
• Feather health
• Household air quality

Persistent feather damage or behavioral change should not simply be blamed on seasonal weather.

Macaw Autumn Care

Large parrots need adequate movement even when colder weather reduces outdoor time.

Provide:

• Safe climbing
• Exercise
• Foraging opportunities
• Regular social interaction

Budgie Autumn Care

Budgies may show obvious pin feathers during seasonal molt.

Watch for:

• Normal feather regrowth
• Stable weight
• Clear nostrils
• Normal activity

Persistent tail bobbing or respiratory noise should not be attributed to cooler weather alone.

Cockatiel Autumn Care

Cockatiels naturally produce significant feather dust.

Fall molt plus closed windows can increase airborne feather debris.

Regular cleaning and appropriate ventilation become particularly important.

Canary Autumn Care

Canaries may:

• Molt
• Sing less
• Become temporarily quieter

But persistent fluffing, respiratory clicking, weight loss or reduced appetite deserves investigation.

Finch Autumn Care

Finches are small and can lose body condition quickly.

Monitor individuals rather than only looking at the flock as a group.

Pay attention to:

• Weight
• Feeding
• Breathing
• Droppings
• Position within the flock

Lovebird Autumn Care

Autumn changes in daylight and household routine can affect behavior.

Monitor:

• Pair interactions
• Feather damage
• Hormonal behavior
• Diet
• Sleep

Pigeon Autumn Care

For pigeons, Autumn may overlap with:

• Post-racing recovery
• Molting
• Changes in loft ventilation
• Young-bird management
• Coccidiosis monitoring
• Canker monitoring

Weight, droppings, respiratory condition and loft hygiene should all be reviewed together.

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The Complete Autumn Bird Health Check

Once each week, take several minutes to review the bird from head to tail.

Eyes: clear and open?

Nostrils: clean and dry?

Breathing: quiet and effortless?

Feathers: normal molt or abnormal damage?

Feet: normal scales and grip?

Weight: stable?

Appetite: normal?

Droppings: consistent?

Behavior: normal for the individual?

Autumn Bird Emergency Signs

Seek prompt veterinary care for:

• Continuous open-mouth breathing
• Pronounced respiratory tail bobbing
• Collapse
• Inability to perch
• Rapid unexplained weight loss
• Persistent refusal to eat
• Severe weakness
• Neurological abnormalities
• Significant bleeding
• Rapid deterioration

Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Pet Bird Care

Do pet birds get cold in fall?

Yes, but healthy acclimated birds often tolerate normal comfortable indoor temperatures well. Avoid abrupt changes and direct cold airflow.

What temperature should I keep my pet bird at?

There is no single ideal temperature for every bird species. A stable, comfortable household environment is generally more useful than applying one number to all birds.

Do drafts cause birds to catch colds?

No. Drafts do not create infectious organisms, although constant direct airflow and abrupt temperature changes should be avoided.

Should I cover my bird cage because it is cold?

A cover is not a substitute for maintaining an appropriate room environment. Some birds may also find complete cage covering stressful.

Should I move my bird away from the window?

If the location becomes drafty or experiences large temperature swings, moving the cage to a more stable position is sensible.

Can I place my bird next to a heater?

Direct hot airflow and close heater placement are not recommended because of overheating, burns and possible fume hazards.

Can a heater be toxic to birds?

Some heating devices or coated components can release hazardous fumes. Research the exact product before using it around birds.

Are nonstick pans dangerous to birds?

Overheated PTFE-containing products can release fumes capable of causing severe or fatal respiratory injury in birds.

Can candles hurt pet birds?

Smoke and fragrance can irritate sensitive avian respiratory systems. Clean air is preferable.

Can perfume make a bird sneeze?

Strong airborne fragrances and aerosols can irritate avian airways.

Can dry air bother pet birds?

Very dry indoor air may reduce respiratory and skin comfort, especially after heating systems begin operating.

Should I use a humidifier?

A humidifier can increase humidity, but it must be kept exceptionally clean to prevent mold and microbial contamination.

Can mold make birds sick?

Yes. Mold contamination is a serious environmental concern, and Aspergillus can cause respiratory disease in birds.

Why did my bird start sneezing when the heat came on?

Heating can circulate dust and lower humidity, but persistent sneezing still deserves evaluation for medical causes.

Do pet birds molt in fall?

Many birds show seasonal feather replacement during late summer or fall, although timing varies by species and individual bird.

Does molting make birds tired?

Some birds may be slightly quieter, but major lethargy or weakness should not automatically be considered normal molt.

Does my bird need extra vitamins during molt?

Not automatically. The foundation should be a balanced complete diet, and unnecessary overlapping supplements should be avoided.

Does my bird need extra protein during molt?

Feather growth requires protein and amino acids, but a complete diet may already provide adequate amounts.

Should birds bathe during fall?

Yes, many birds can continue normal bathing. Allow plenty of time to dry in a comfortable draft-free environment.

Should I bathe my bird at night?

Earlier bathing generally allows more time for complete drying before nighttime temperatures fall.

Can I use soap when bathing my bird?

Routine bathing generally requires only appropriate clean water unless a veterinarian advises otherwise.

Do birds drink less in cold weather?

Consumption may change, but fresh water must remain continuously available and sudden major changes should be monitored.

Should I weigh my bird in fall?

Yes. Regular weight monitoring is valuable during molt and seasonal transitions.

Why is my bird fluffed up in fall?

A bird may fluff temporarily for warmth or comfort, but persistent fluffing can also indicate illness.

Why is my bird sleeping more?

Seasonal schedules may change, but significant lethargy, appetite loss or weakness warrants evaluation.

Do shorter days affect pet birds?

Changing daylight can influence seasonal rhythms, sleep, molt and behavior depending on species and environment.

Should I leave a light on all night for my bird?

No. Birds need an appropriate dark and quiet period for normal rest.

Should birds still exercise in fall?

Healthy birds continue to benefit from regular movement, flight where safe, climbing and enrichment.

Should new birds be quarantined?

Yes. Quarantine reduces the risk of introducing infectious diseases and parasites into an established bird household.

Does wild-bird migration matter for pet birds?

It is especially relevant for outdoor aviaries, pigeons, poultry and birds with outdoor exposure because wild birds can carry infectious agents including avian influenza viruses.

Can wild birds spread H5N1?

Yes. Migrating wild birds can carry highly pathogenic avian influenza and introduce virus into new areas.

Should wild birds share my pet bird's water?

No. Outdoor domestic-bird food and water should be protected from wild-bird contamination when possible.

Can disease come inside on shoes?

Contaminated footwear and equipment can move infectious material between outdoor bird areas and other bird environments.

How often should bird water bowls be cleaned?

Provide fresh clean drinking water daily and clean containers regularly to prevent buildup of food and organic contamination.

What are the biggest fall dangers for pet birds?

Important seasonal concerns include heating fumes, dry air, reduced ventilation, mold, diet problems, abnormal molt, respiratory illness, wild-bird exposure and delayed recognition of disease.

When should I take my bird to an avian veterinarian?

Prompt evaluation is warranted for significant breathing difficulty, rapid weight loss, refusal to eat, collapse, inability to perch, neurological abnormalities or rapid deterioration.

The Complete Autumn Bird-Care Routine

Every morning:

• Check activity
• Check appetite
• Provide fresh water
• Look at droppings
• Listen to breathing

Every evening:

• Confirm the bird ate normally
• Check the room temperature and airflow
• Remove spoiled fresh foods
• Prepare a calm night environment

Every week:

• Weigh the bird
• Inspect feathers and skin
• Clean cage accessories thoroughly
• Check heating vents and cage placement
• Review food storage

Throughout Autumn:

• Watch seasonal molt
• Monitor respiratory health
• Maintain enrichment
• Keep humidifiers clean
• Strengthen biosecurity where wild-bird exposure exists

The Autumn Rule That Matters Most

Healthy seasonal care is not about keeping a bird excessively warm.

It is about maintaining:

stability.

Stable temperature.

Clean air.

Appropriate humidity.

Balanced nutrition.

Fresh water.

Predictable sleep.

Normal exercise.

Strong hygiene.

And careful daily observation.

When those foundations are strong, the transition from summer into colder weather becomes much easier to manage.

Important bird-health notice: Autumn itself does not cause respiratory infection, parasite disease or other infectious illness. Seasonal changes can alter temperature, ventilation, humidity, household exposures, bird behavior and biosecurity conditions. Persistent feather fluffing, marked lethargy, appetite loss, rapid weight loss, abnormal droppings, nasal or eye discharge, pronounced tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, inability to perch or rapid deterioration should be treated as possible illness rather than simply a reaction to cooler weather. Supportive warmth, nutrition, humidity and rest can help a sick bird conserve energy but do not replace veterinary diagnosis and treatment.