Hey everyone,

I am currently working on a project involving the fitness condition of birds and am interested in measuring body temperature in an alpine passerine. Although I can assess nest-temperature using the equipment I already have (iButtons), I am also interested in measuring body temperature of nestlings directly but struggle to find a propper, non invasive way to do this.

Common clinical thermometers cannot be used due to the diameter of the measuring surface and their maximum temperatures usually not exceeding 42.2 ° C, which might be not enough for birds. I was thinking of using infrared-thermometers, but have similar problems regarding the medical ones and maximum temperature.

I know of contactless infrared-thermometers being used for objects rather than humans, but have no experience (and no information) weather these are appropriately applicable on animals (as my first priority is not to harm the birds!).

I was wondering if anyone either has experience with using these contactless object-infrared-thermometers for measuring body temperature in birds or knows of any alternative that will get me good data without harming the birds?

Thanks a lot in advance, Christian