Bird Safe Heater Options

[ChristopherBradly]

I grew up in Nebraska. One winter I was shoveling car out of driveway. It was the 3rd day in a row. I made a wish. No more snow, shoveling, tires, and  cold w wind chill in negative double digits. I woke up in South Central Texas. Below 80° is jacket weather; below 76° layered shirts, w jacket and long pants; below 60° my daughter's military cold weather gear! I am allergic to cold, any wind blowing on me etc. If I want snow, I'll turn on the TV!

I am naturally hot natured so I thrive in the cold. My medications also make me overheat so anything over 80 and I feel like passing out despite drinking fluids constantly. The funny thing about what you mention is that I LOVE shoveling snow and I especially LOVE splitting wood but I cant stand mowing the lawn or weed eating. Lol.

Newbie here...havent bought birds yet...doing research first...soooo am i understanding that parakeets dont like a cool room? I have to have a heater??

I prefer to keep my room around 68-72 degrees for my bird. Every species is a bit different but I think most species are capable of surviving more deviation than what people are willing to admit but surviving doesnt equal being comfortable.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I get overheated when its over 75. I break out in a swear looking at someone wearing a turtleneck. I don't know why I'm so heat intolerant. My thyroid is hypo and controlled. I just don't know and neither do the doctors.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I know a breeder of exhibition English budgies in Massachusetts that keeps his birds in a shed that's heated to upper 50s in the winter and they're fine. They do have built in down jackets!

 

[ChristopherBradly]

I have another question about these oil filled heaters? The manufacturers warning says to let them heat for at least 2 hours in a ventilated space before using them. Ive read somewhere that says to burn them for four hours and then another place that said a full 24 hours. I dont want to leave it burning at full heat for 24 hours if I can help it but I may need to use it this weekend as it will be getting into the 40s at night.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I don't think 24 hours is necessary but I would put them outdoors and run them for a few hours.

 

[rheashard2]

Go with manufacturer recommendations. Mine had similar about running in ventilated space for a couple hours. It is oil filled. Transport knocking about is unavoidable. There couldbe damage to thermostat running hot or cold. You'll smell the oil and maybe even see leaks. As for operation. Again follow manufacturers recommendations. I can run min 24/7 provided it isn't above recommended high setting. Then you run risk of damage to unit and surrounding area from heat. Use a room thermometer to ensure that you have desired temp. I always feel cold. Only the wall thermometer stops me from turning temp up. You may be the opposite. My unit also recommends the same start up each season.

 

[ChristopherBradly]

I ran it outside for four hours and I feel pretty good about it. Thanks for all the help and advice! I definitely do need to invest in a thermometer; I am often running hot especially on my blood pressure medication.