can anyone tell me why birds don't get frostbite?

Answer 1

Some birds do get frostbite, usually when the species is not that well adapted to a certain environment; for example it's not uncommon for mourning doves along their northern distribution to be missing toes which were lost due to frostbite. Usually they have a variety of mechanisms to keep warm, for example water birds have a counter-current heat exchange system to prevent frostbite in their feet; the warm blood going into the legs heats up the cold blood going into their body that way there is little heat loss, they can control the bloodflow to make sure the feet stay above freezing.The general body shape of many birds optimizes surface area/ volume ratio, since high volume low surface are means that heat is conserved more efficiently, in fact for a species that is located over a broad range throughout the year the more northern individual will often be larger (more volume). Another mechanism is to "fluff up the feathers and trap in more air to create an insulating layer of air. Some species actually have a lot more feathers during winter than they do in summer since denser feathers offers better insulation. If its really cold they can bring their feet up into the feathers to keep them warm. They will also try and find sheltered sites this can range from a dense stand of conifers to a hole in the snow (snow is a good insulator and it may be much warmer than the outside temp). Gloger's rule states that the more north you go the more white/ paler animals you will encounter (snow buntings, white gyrfalcon, snowy owl, tundrius subspecie of great horned owl, etc. This is for one simple reason the dark colors are given by melanin filling the space inside the feather's barbs/shafts (in mammals the inside of hairs) but in white animal this space is empty and there is air which allows for better insulation. Birds also have a rapid metabolism which allows them to produce heat, they have to eat enough in a day in winter to be able to have enough fat to last overnight, if they don't have enough to last a night then they will die. Then there are all the migratory birds which don't have to worry about the forst as they spend their winter in a warmer climate.

Answer 2

Birds can get frostbite, They can get a condition called wing tip adema, this affects the very tip of the wing where the primary feathers are attached and usually results in the tip of the wing falling off and the bird becoming flightless. This usually occurs if the bird is left in damp and then very cold conditions. However if the bird lives in this habitat in the wild it is rare. but birds such as Harris Hawks, Like one we got given due to only having one and a half wings and currently resides in a breeding pen kitted out with ladders, and other warm climate or tropical birds, if they are left outside in a brittish winter with no cover it can often happen.

Answer 3

I know why Penguins don't get frostbite. Its because they keep their wrappers on.

Actually 1. Birds are acclimatised to living outdoors

2. If it does get too cold and if they need to migrate because of the cold they do.

3. They are well insulated by their feathers and down.

Answer 4

It's just a rule of nature. Birds get a frostbite pass.

Answer 5

They don't get frost bite because they roost in areas where frost cannot reach.IE;branches of trees,eaves of a roof,bushes,etc.When they roost they puff up their feathers,causing a sort of vacuum,which keeps warm air between their feathers and body.Hence why our duvets are filled with feathers.Plus,I believe, birds blood is not as high a temperature as humans.You only get frost bite when warm touches the ice,melts,then re-freezes.

Answer 6

Well thier feathers insulate them from heat and cold.Also they are not mammals(warm blooded) Especially when they fold thier wings they isolate the freezing temperature almost completely out.Migratory birds dont have this problem.The non migratory birds are dark colors brown or black.With various chest colors and white wing tips.But overall they are predominantly brown or black

Answer 7

call a vet and get their suggestion on what to do. also positioned a heating pad set on low and positioned less than the exterior bottom of cage. also a blanket over the cage halfway should be solid to save warmth in. The chook with the blisters needs vet interest. should be ready to provide meds with out seeing.

Answer 8

because they are covered with a thick double layer of feathers. They wear their own well insulated cosy feather duvet.

Answer 9

they have feathers to keep them warm

Answer 10

They do ! They also freeze to death.