Heating lamp?

[Pureblood]

Hey guys,

so in my city the heating is turned off at 10PM and isn't turned on again by 4-6AM. Stupid - I know, but nothing we can do about it.

My room is on the north side of the building and it can get cold now in the winter to the point that I'm cold, I don't even wanna know how it must be for my birds (3 lovebirds and 1 budgie).

I am considering to get them a heating lamp and put it above the center where the two cages "meet" so that they all benefit from 1 lamp. Is that a good idea for the overnight situation? I am just afraid it might cause some nesting ideas (although they don't even have a place they could hide in and lay eggs)?

I really don't want them to be cold.

Thanks!

 

[bug_n_flock]

Hi,

As long as your birds are healthy and well fed, they should be fine being relatively cold.

Have you considered a CHE with a cage around it to prevent burns, if you do go the way of providing them heat? Ceramic Heat Emitters throw heat, but not light to upset sleep schedules.

EDIT: like a light bulb cage, not a bird cage

 

[GaleriaGila]

WOW!
That's rough!
I might also consider a good, heavy cage cover, to conserve warmth and minimize drafts.
I agree that, if the birds are in robust health, getting gradually acclimated to cooler temperatures at night isn't too scary. What temperatures are we talking about, please?

 

[itzjbean]

Do you cover them at night with a towel or something? This is what I use at night, but we keep our house at around 70 degrees.

You could try a non-light emitting reptile heat lamp, like this one. I'm actually planning on buying a couple of these to convert my fish tank to a brooder in a month or so. There is no light emitted so it can be good during the night but the heat is good for cold birds, can be placed above a certain spot in the cage so the birds can go there if they are cold but can leave the area and go to another cooler spot when its too warm.

 

[Pureblood]

I usually don't cover them, but have considered using some warmer thicker covers just for winter to keep the warmth in at least from 3 sides (back side of the cages would be open,towards the wall)

And I completely forgot about these non-light heaters! Yes, that would definitely be a better option!

I just brought in the termomether from the balcony (where it's 3°C) into my room and have let it measure for about 10minutes by the side of the cage which is about 15cm from the north wall and it says that the temperature is 20.5°C.

 

[bug_n_flock]

My birds have definitely gotten colder than that at night and are totally fine. I'm in the NE US and I sleep with the windows open, even in winter. Do you have a way to see the lowest it will get to overnight? I do think they are alright, though. Covering the cages at night isn't a bad idea, though.

 

[SailBoat]

The greatest thickness of covering is needed between the cage and the outer wall of the room and the top. The covering needs to be on all five sides, which includes the top. Leave no open faces.

Temperatures:
- Outside temperature 3°C / 37.4°F
- North side temperature 20.5°C / 69°F (Inside)

What you want to know is the temperature at that location just prior to the heat being turned back on!

It would also help to know what the maximum daylight temperature is, again in the same location.

This information will provide you the true difference between max daytime and lowest nighttime. The greater the difference, the more likely you will need a heat source.

Heat sources can be of great help, or they can kill as a result of overheating.

At this point, cover your Parrots at night!

Collect the information listed above and from there the proper type of heat source can be defined.

I rarely recommend a heat source that is not temperature adjustable.

 

[SailBoat]

My birds have definitely gotten colder than that at night and are totally fine. I'm in the NE US and I sleep with the windows open, even in winter. Do you have a way to see the lowest it will get to overnight? I do think they are alright, though. Covering the cages at night isn't a bad idea, though.

Leaving a window open in the winter assure that your room /home will have seriously low humidity. It also, sets-up strong, very cold drafts that can have serious health effects on parrots.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Trust me, low humidity is *not* a problem on the East Coast... Especially not when you have as many bioactive enclosures and plants around as I do.

Also, my birds are covered up tight against drafts at night. Thanks for the concern, but my guys are fine with the windows open.

From phone

 

[Aquila]

Trust me, low humidity is *not* a problem on the East Coast... Especially not when you have as many bioactive enclosures and plants around as I do.

Also, my birds are covered up tight against drafts at night. Thanks for the concern, but my guys are fine with the windows open.

From phone

Currently 57% humidity in my room with the window open and 72 degrees!