Keeping your Bird(s) Warm for the Winter

Keeping your Bird(s) Warm for the Winter
Winter is upon us!! I've had many people asking me about the best ways to keep their bird warm for the winter. The questions have ranged from tents to covering cages to heated perches, so here is some info!

Heated Perches
This is fantastic technology! I have to say that the person who invented these was genius. The temperature varies up and down the perch so your bird can choose the temperature he/she would like to rest on. Protect your birds from the harmful effects of air conditioning and cold drafts in the winter!

These unique heated perches safely radiate warmth through your bird's feet. They are thermostatically controlled perch using a safe, low-voltage (12 volts) power source to maintain an optimum temperature range of 102°-107°F. They can be left on continuously, so your bird can hop onto it whenever he needs warmth. The durable textured plastic perch has irregular surfaces to reduce foot cramping and pressure sores. For safety, the steel-wrapped cord sits outside the cage.

Tents/Snugglies:
These I recommend for any bird that likes to snuggle for warmth or sleep at night. Beware the nesty female though. Tents can cause a bird to get nesty as it can simulate a nest. This, of course, depends on the bird.

I have to say, I love the Scooter Z's tents personally. Our birds like them and they are easy to clean (machine washable as well!). We always go just a bit bigger than you would think so that there is plenty of room for our birds. A bird that feels cramped in it's tent may not use it.

Preferably, the tents we like are open on both ends. They deter nestiness a bit, but also for birds like parakeets who have longer tails, they don't have to crush their tail in the back of them. Tents are a nice, safe, and warm environment, and frankly they can help protect your birds from drafts as well.

Heating your Home for your Birds:
Having a bird means taking responsibility for their environment. This may mean higher heating bills for you, but this comes with the territory of owning a bird. We typically do not allow our home to get lower than 64-66 degrees Fahrenheit, but to be frank, our home sits at 70-72 degrees throughout the winter. This is optimal for our FIDs and we don't have to worry too much about drafts.

One time, we lost power to our neighborhood and had to keep an eye on the thermostat in case it wasn't going to come back on! If the temperature had dropped below 60 degrees, we would've evacuated out our birds to a warmer location! Thankfully, the power came back on in time!

Covering your Cages at Night:
While we recommend this on a normal basis anyways, covering them at night during the winter can definitely protect your bird from those cold wintry drafts.

Parrot Wrapz:
Not every bird takes to wearing clothing, but for some birds, avian apparel can help with warmth in the winter (not to mention the other benefits). Never force your bird to wear clothing if he/she fights with it or tries to tear it off. Your bird may need to be introduced to it first, as well. The Wrapz also provide protection against the elements of weather, and allows you to dress your Parrot accordingly for those cold winter days.

Personally, I like the idea of Parrot Wrapz for traveling your bird in the winter outside your home especially. We can't always avoid the vet during the cold winter months, and Parrot Wrapz can help keep their core warm!

© True Love Aviary 2009