https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/cockatiel/cockatiels-and-temperature-fluctuations
*Cockatiels are charming and affectionate pets with unique care needs. In the Cockatiel Education Hub, you’ll find information on vocalization, social bonding, nutrition, and creating a safe and engaging environment tailored to your cockatiel’s personality.
Chewy editorial team explains that when moving your cockatiel outdoors, it is essential to avoid abrupt temperature changes of more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit from what the bird is accustomed to.
Transitioning your bird to an outdoor aviary should ideally occur during mild weather, allowing gradual acclimation to seasonal shifts.
Your cockatiel’s body language will signal its comfort - panting, holding wings away from the body, or standing in water may indicate overheating, while shivering, fluffed feathers, and beak tucking suggest it’s too cold.
Birds regulate heat through their feet and feather positioning, and any signs of distress should prompt a return indoors.
When outdoors, your bird should be active, vocal, and perching contentedly.
Cockatiels naturally adjust to temperature fluctuations through physiological changes such as molting and feather density, and their thermoregulation abilities are influenced by seasonal changes and environmental conditions.
Cockatiels typically have lower metabolic rates, which helps them adapt to heat more efficiently.
External factors like wind or feather coloration also affect a bird’s ability to stay warm or cool, with darker feathered birds absorbing heat more readily than lighter colored ones.
While fresh air and sunlight can provide valuable stimulation and aid in vitamin D3 production, any time spent outdoors should be supervised to ensure your cockatiel remains safe and comfortable.
