Keeping warm...

[LoveMyConlan]

A truck slambed a power area in my neighborhood, causing power outage of the house. They are saying it's going to be a few days before they can get it fixed

It's going to be in the 60's here and the house seems to be holding steady at 72-74°. I've placed heavy blankets around the cages but I'm still worried my fids will get cold. 1 has a tent (she's not a chewer and we keep an eye on it), and 1 has a nest box. The others usually sleep on their perches.

What else can I do? Should i offer them a carboard box? I could take them to a friend's house, but they'd have to live on their carriers. I just want everyone to stay warm.

 

[Flboy]

60's should be fine! I rarely turn my heat on and it gets down into the 40's here! Indoor, 58ish.

 

[Aquila]

Besides cuddling with them, they should be just fine at the inside temp. My apartment is usually around 70 degrees this time of year. It's really only a sudden drop in temperature that causes an issue, which is why drafts can be a concern. I wouldn't worry, they might be a little less active if they're not used to it, but even getting them to play or flap to get the blood moving can warm them up too.

 

[jiannotto9492]

As long as it doesn't get below 60's you should be fine. If you have a gas range you could light it with a match and keep your birds in another room just so then you have some sort of heat in your house. Of course this is dangerous and not exactly recommended but you could of course boil water this way as well so then you have hot water.

 

[Anansi]

At 72-74 your birds will be just fine. Even the low 60's or high 50's wouldn't be a big deal... so long as the temp drops more or less gradually. As Aquila pointed out, it's only sudden drops in temperature as a bird might experience if subjected to drafts or if abruptly taken from the warmth of the home to wintery cold outside.

In short, given the current temps in your home, your heavy blankets and such are actually unnecessary. Assuming, of course, the absence of any drafts.

 

[Kentuckienne]

With a gas range, you could heat up some water, put it in an untreatable bottle, and put it near them. With a covered cage this will make a big difference. If it were me, I would NOT use the gas stove for heat with a bird .... They are extremely sensitive to carbon monoxide because their respiratory systems are so efficient.

 

[LoveMyConlan]

Thank you all! I just worry. I have fibromyalgia, so anything under 75° is cold to me lol. I was worried because they are used to 75° and warm, I wasn't sure how they would handle the lower temps.

I definitely need to update my winter emergency plans for these things.

 

[Scott]

Sorry to hear of the power loss for such a long duration. Your birds will be far more comfortable than you until fixed. Good luck and try to keep warm!

 

[Aquila]

Thank you all! I just worry. I have fibromyalgia, so anything under 75° is cold to me lol. I was worried because they are used to 75° and warm, I wasn't sure how they would handle the lower temps.

I definitely need to update my winter emergency plans for these things.

I have fibro too so I understand! I live under my electric blanket, but hot water bottles are even better sometimes. I've done the same for the birds to offer some radiant heat in a pinch.

 

[Kiwibird]

The biggest danger to parrots is very sudden shifts in temperatures (like going from a warm house outside) or drafts. A gradual decline in temperature into the 60's as the house cools off should be fine. Even in their natural habitats, it can get into the low 50's! Bummer about having no power for a few days though! If your home starts getting into the low 50's I would see if you have friends or families with power who'd be willing to take them in for a couple days until your power is restored, but wouldn't be too concerned about temps in the 60's.