Extreme heat expected - over 100F

[Scooterzmom]

we are expected extreme heat in Montreal for the Canada day week-end. They are calling for temps in the 90's with humid factor above 110F - actually calling for 117 Humidex factor on Saturday or Sunday!

Needless to say we are not used to these temps here - the dang humidity is what really gets dangerous. You sweat so much you can dehydrate before you know it.

I was thinking installing a mister above the cage, and placing big bowls filled with ice in their cages, frozen grapes in their food bowls, and lotsa fresh fruit - watermelon, cantalope, pears, apples.

Any other suggestions? I'm really scared for my guys, they are fat and are still shedding their winter coats - so are some of my wilds here because until now the nights had been so cold (some even in the low 40's and 50s) I guess their coats had not changed yet.

[Scooterzmom]

Bump

[Scooterzmom]

Bump!

[cava]

we are expected extreme heat in Montreal for the Canada day week-end. They are calling for temps in the 90's with humid factor above 110F - actually calling for 117 Humidex factor on Saturday or Sunday!

Needless to say we are not used to these temps here - the dang humidity is what really gets dangerous. You sweat so much you can dehydrate before you know it.

I was thinking installing a mister above the cage, and placing big bowls filled with ice in their cages, frozen grapes in their food bowls, and lotsa fresh fruit - watermelon, cantalope, pears, apples.

Any other suggestions? I'm really scared for my guys, they are fat and are still shedding their winter coats - so are some of my wilds here because until now the nights had been so cold (some even in the low 40's and 50s) I guess their coats had not changed yet.

I'm sure all the animals would enjoy a mister, especially if it's in the shade and they can get away from it if they want to. Same with they ice water. How long have been in a release cage?

[SammysMom]

If you can freeze containers of ice so you have large blocks of ice, you can blow a fan over the ice block into the cage and it will lower the temp by a great deal. I cut milk jugs off at the mid-point so that I can get the ice block out of the plastic by running water over the bottom.

[Scooterzmom]

I'm sure all the animals would enjoy a mister, especially if it's in the shade and they can get away from it if they want to. Same with they ice water. How long have been in a release cage? They've been in there a bit over 3 weeks. I had not released them yet 1st because the nights were still so cold, then with the last week-end being a holiday and the coming one also, there's fireworks everywhere and in this neighborhood some even fire the damn things oof in their backyards... I didn't want them exposed to that without a secure nest.

If things work ou they should go by Tuesday or so. The cages are in the shades, in a wooded area. Part of the cage is covered (half) so yes, they can get away from the mist.



If you can freeze containers of ice so you have large blocks of ice, you can blow a fan over the ice block into the cage and it will lower the temp by a great deal. I cut milk jugs off at the mid-point so that I can get the ice block out of the plastic by running water over the bottom.

Thanks. Great idea!

My spare air conditioner went on the blink! Great timing grrrrr.....:frustratedx So, my son took out the one from my room and we placed it in the squirrel room. I mean, I can always find ways to cool off and jump in the pool, but my poor NRs are at the mercy of this heat wave. :(

[j gardiner]

We are experiencing a heat wave again here in Ontario, so I expect others may be dealing with extreme heat again as well. I just wanted to share the techniques I'm using to help my little guy & girl cope.

I have a big smooth river stone that I put in the freezer every morning as the day heats up. Once the stone is fairly cold to the touch, I remove it from the freezer & put it in a shady spot in the big squirrel cage. It will stay cool to the touch for hours. The little squirrrels love it--when they're too hot, they lay themselves out flat on the stone & literally chill there for a while. Every time they do it it makes me laugh, but it's super-effective. Check the photos--that's my little girl Agile cooling down after playing.303217303218

I put water on them by hand in extreme heat. They kinda like it/barely tolerate it, depending on their mood. Cool water stroked onto their tummy, backs of their ears, back etc.

I keep the big outdoor cage in shade. The side that is exposed to morning sun, I cover with a big white sheet, held down with long pieces of wood. Because it's white it doesn't absorb the heat--it provides shade & lowers the temp in the cage substantially.

[HRT4SQRLS]

That is brilliant and the cutest thing EVER! :grin2

[j gardiner]

HRT4SQRLS: I told Agile I was going to post the photos so I believe she's making her *cutest girl ever* face. :squirrel1

[Mel1959]

That is definitely a great idea. I tried a washcloth wrapped around some ice cubes and had no takers. :shakehead:shakehead. I’m gonna try your idea. :great:great:grin3

[Chickenlegs]

BRILLIANT! Gonna look for rocks! :w00t