On clear days In bleak icy weather road traffic often wears patches in the ice to expose the tarmac to a watery winter sun. You sometimes see a few large birds standing on the tarmac a if they are warming their feet.I would like to give my garden birds the same foot warming treat.
Does anyone know what type of insulation board can be safely used? Polystyrene tiles would seem to be the practical option but I fear birds pecking at seeds on the polystyrene could pick up tiny crumbs of polystyrene which I imagine could kill them if swallowed. Any better ideas please?
Ooh, not sure about that one! I would suggest a wood/log pile as this would help insects, and wood doesn't get quite so cold so would be a bit 'warmer' on their feet. Will have a think anyway! I'm sure other forumites here will come up with better suggestions!!
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I think the wood/log pile is probably the best idea as wood acts as heat gatherer. I know birds use their feathers to regulate body temperature but I wonder if this can help warm their feet?Paul.
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Birds have a natural system to avoid getting cold feet - Why Don't Birds Get Cold Feet? So I'm not sure if they'll be on the tarmac to warm their toes.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi Frankly,
Given that birds can stand around on iced-over ponds for hours without apparent discomfort I suspect the large birds you've seen on wet/icy roads are more likely to have landed there having mistaken the wet tarmac for a stretch of water. You sometimes hear about swans landing on motorways and causing huge traffic jams, probably for this reason.
The best way of keeping your garden birds 'warm' is to put out plenty of good quality bird food like fat balls, peanuts etc. and make sure they've got unfrozen water to bathe in - a good layer of bodyfat underneath a clean set of feathers is all birds really need to feel comfortable.