Keeping a bird warm, is this safe?

[ingrehd]

I am planning on buying this after work today for Morgan to keep him warm.

Heat Lamp » Zoo Med™ Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp | PetSmart

Is it safe to use?
Chicago weather is bat**** crazy and it is currently in the low 50s and supposed to remain like that for the next couple of weeks.
And of course my central heating is broken

 

[henpecked]

I think it might be a bit of "over kill". I realize your LCA is not a wild bird, but LCAs thrive in mountainous areas at about 5-6000 ft. Prolonged temps in the 50F range would be normal. Our pet birds become acclimated to our indoor temps and are less tolerant to extremes. But why "fix" something that not's broke? If your bird was suffering then YES, fix the situation. I'd be concerned with excessive heat, power cords near his cage, Disturbing sleep patterns, etc.

 

[ingrehd]

He has been fluffing up and shivering since the temps dropped giving me a reason to seek a way of heating him up

 

[henpecked]

Have you seen the heated perches? Is he out of the draft? I'm assuming this is at night? Do his feet feel cold when he steps up?

 

[ingrehd]

It's cold all day, even colder at night. His cage is covered all day but he still fluffs and shivers and yes his feet feel cold
I've heard of the perches but I don't think he should wait so long for it to get here via mail

 

[henpecked]

You could also put a heating pad under his cage. Got a good sunny window? I'm just not a big fan of lights around my bird.

 

[ingrehd]

The light is an infrared so there would be no actual light emitted

 

[ingrehd]

If I put a heating pad under his cage won't he poop on it?

 

[brianlinkles]

I think Henpecked meant literally under the cage itself not in the cage. I would listen to the advice given from him. He has worked with amazons for years and years. I live in Ohio and it has been cool here as well. I grew up in Chicago and I know how nuts the weather is however birds can tolerate much colder temperatures than we think. I would just order the heated perch and in the mean time I would place the heating pad under the cage as the heat will rise and give some warmth. When you say you are covering the cage is it just part way covered for warmth?

 

[henpecked]

hey ingrehd, i see the temp are 70 to mid 50's , is he still shaking? I kinda worry the shaking might be due to poor health and not just the weather. What do you think?

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I used a heat lamp once and it was perfect. I used a 75 watt with a built in dimmer, the dimmer is very important so you can control the heat output!.

I used mine when our kitchen was being redone in winter during a time when it was really frigid(for sunny CA), I turned it on for 3 hours every evening.

 

[forbey]

First, if using radiant heat, I would recommend aiming it at the floor beneath the cage and allow the heat to rise to the bird, aiming it diectly at the bird might result in an over heated bird.

Everything I have read says to avoid drafts, but that parrots are fairly adaptive when it comes to colder climates. I understand there is a cplony of Budgies in New England that resulted from a shipment accident followed by a mild winter. The birdshave adapted and survived.

After a few recent "snotty" incidents with Skittles several months ago, I did consider applying some radient heat and a touch of garlic butter ... but he's feeling MUCH better now! (Sorry, "Night Court" reference to Harry's step-father, LOL)

 

[ingrehd]

Henpecked,
The temps going up during the day have helped the shivering, but at night when it drops he starts to shiver as soon as his feet touch his perch.

 

[critterman]

I live in Maryland in a big old farmhouse and in the winter it gets very cold and drafty in the house even with the heat on and at night it is worse. I purchased a radiator type electric heater that I can set the temperature on the desired temperature I want on I set it about 3-4 feet away from the cage at night. It turns itself on and off as needed and it is safe. I also cover the cage on 3 sides and the top to give extra warmth which my bird seems to like as he falls asleep immediately after covering him. I am sure the cooler temperatures are ok but like you I prefer to provide the warmth just in case it is needed. I would caution you using lights of any kind infared or otherwise as they can cause burns and overheat or possible worse. Please think about the electric type heater I described. Good luck!

 

[ingrehd]

Another question has sprung into my mind.
Is it possible that the sudden changes in weather (went from 80s to low 60s over night) might have triggered Morgan to molt again?
His last molt was a few weeks ago and lasted about a week.

 

[crimson]

I have three heat lamps, all with ceramic bulbs, and different wattage.
it's mainly for heat, no light.
depending on when I need to use it, I use the 100w for the larger type cages, and the 40-60 watt for the smaller cages.
actually I have one on right now for a 8 wk.old baby canary that has fallen mysteriously ill
I have never had a problem with mine what so ever, you just have to make sure you pick the right one.
I preferred the ceramic ones as they only provide heat and nothing else.

 

[henpecked]

I just moved to florida, LOL

 

[henpecked]

You near largo/St Pete ? Billsbirds is close also.