Keeping your bird’s cage warm is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Birds are very sensitive to temperature changes and can easily get ill if they get too cold. There are several things you can do to help keep your bird’s environment nice and toasty during the winter months or in drafty areas of your home.
Use a space heater
One of the easiest ways to warm up your bird’s cage is to use a space heater. Space heaters are safe and effective for heating small spaces and directing warmth right where you need it. Position a space heater near your bird’s cage, angled so the heat is blowing into the enclosure. Make sure to keep it a safe distance away to prevent any potential fire hazards or your bird getting overheated. Monitor the temperature and adjust the heater as needed to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature around the cage between 65-75°F.
Insulate the cage
Insulating your bird’s cage helps hold in warmth and prevent drafts. You can buy special cage covers designed for insulation, or make your own with rigid foam panels, bubble wrap, burlap sacks or other materials. Cut panels to fit snugly around the sides and back of the cage. Make sure to leave the front uncovered so your bird can still see out. At night, use towels or blankets to cover the top and three sides of the cage to retain warmth. Just be sure to remove any heavy coverings during the day so your bird gets enough light and air circulation.
Use a heating pad
Heating pads made specifically for pets provide gentle bottom heat that can help keep your bird’s cage nice and toasty. Look for a heating pad with adjustable temperature settings and a cover that is waterproof and chew-proof. Place the heating pad under a section of the cage floor, following all safety instructions. Don’t cover the entire cage bottom as your bird needs room to move off the warm pad if desired. Monitor the temperature closely and don’t allow it to get too hot.
Insulate windows
Cold drafts from windows can significantly impact the temperature in your bird’s environment. Prevent chilly air from leaking in by insulating windows near your bird’s cage. Options include installing window insulation kits, hanging thermal curtains, or using self-adhesive plastic window film. Seal any gaps around windows with caulk or weatherstripping to keep out outdoor air. Close blinds or drapes at night for additional insulation. Make sure cages are positioned away from drafty windows to help maintain a comfortable ambient temperature.
Move cage away from exterior walls
Cages placed directly against exterior walls are more vulnerable to cold from outside. Relocate your bird’s enclosure so it is surrounded by interior walls which will provide more insulation and shield them from chilly outdoor air seeping in. If you do need to position the cage on an exterior wall, hang a blanket, tapestry, or other decorative item on the wall behind the cage to provide an extra layer of insulation between the cold wall and your bird.
Use a humidifier
Dry winter air can make it difficult to keep your bird’s environment warm enough. Running a humidifier in the same room as your bird’s cage adds moisture back into the air which helps hold in heat. Make sure to monitor the humidity level and aim for around 30-50%. Overly humid air can cause condensation and mold growth which can be harmful to birds. Never place humidifiers directly next to your bird’s cage.
Avoid drafts
Drafts caused by open windows and doors, air vents, or fans can make your bird’s cage cold fast. Keep your bird’s cage away from any drafty areas in your home. Close external doors and windows to prevent cold outside air from blowing in. Adjust vents so they are not blowing directly on your bird. Point fans upwards or away from the cage. Use a draft blocker near the cage if needed. Monitoring and minimizing drafts helps prevent sudden temperature drops.
Use cage furnishings
Adding insulating cage furnishings gives your bird places to snuggle up and stay warm. Solid bottom perches hold in heat better than thin dowel perches. Platforms covered in grass mats or soft bedding also act as warm, cozy spots. Hut-style sleeping boxes with a single opening provide an insulated nook. Make sure to monitor cushioned furnishings for cleanliness to prevent bacterial or fungal growth. Rotate or replace bedding regularly.
Add a heating lamp
For birds that need supplemental basking heat from above, a ceramic heating lamp near the cage can help increase ambient temperature. Select a low-wattage bulb and make sure cages are not directly under the lamp, which could cause overheating. Have ample room for your bird to move closer or further away from the heat source as desired. Never leave a heating lamp on unattended – risk of fire is high if the bulb is too close to objects.
Use the right substrates
Certain cage bottom substrates are more effective at retaining heat than others. Opt for substrates like non-toxic sand, coarse corn cob, or hardwood pellet litter which hold heat and help warm your bird’s feet. Avoid using substrates like sawdust, shredded paper or hay which stay cooler and don’t insulate well. Add a layer of cardboard, tarp or thin wood below substrates for additional insulation on cage floors.
Add a warming plate
Warming plates designed for exotic pets provide radiant heat from underneath a small section of the cage floor. Choose a warming plate size that fits safely within the cage, away from perches or toys where direct contact could occur. Always follow all manufacturer guidelines and monitor temperature closely to prevent overheating from these units. Warming plates should be used minimally and proper cage heating addressed.
Use an incubator (for baby birds)
For hand-feeding baby birds, keeping them at the proper temperature is critical. Using a small incubator designed for baby birds allows you to dial in just the right ambient conditions. Ideal temperature range for most baby parrots is 90-94°F. Monitor temperature and humidity levels in the incubator frequently using accurate thermometers/hygrometers. Only use incubators for babies under veterinary guidance to avoid accidental overheating.
Add supplemental vitamin D3
Birds spending less time in natural sunlight from closed windows or indoor housing can become deficient in Vitamin D3. A D3 supplement added to your bird’s diet helps maintain healthy bones, muscles and immune function. Consult your avian vet for dosage recommendations based on species, diet, and housing conditions. Offering full spectrum lighting can also provide beneficial UV rays when sunshine is limited.
Watch for signs of illness
Being too cold can compromise your bird’s health over time. Monitor for any potential signs of illness related to inappropriate cage temperatures or drafts. Look for increased fluffing of feathers, shivering, lethargy, sneezing/nasal discharge, watery droppings, or loss of appetite. Respiratory infections are common in birds kept in cold environments. Seek prompt veterinary care if you notice any signs of illness to avoid serious complications.
Use central heat
In some cases, ambient room temperature needs to be increased to achieve proper warmth in your bird’s cage. Turn up the thermostat 1-2 degrees to heat the entire room. Close heating vents in unused rooms and open vents near your bird to direct more warm airflow their way. Make sure cage location avoids hot spots near heat ducts which could overheat your bird. Adding central heat helps minimize cold pockets that cause chilling.
Conclusion
Providing supplemental heat to keep your bird’s environment warm is crucial when temperatures drop. With some simple adjustments like a space heater, insulation, and draft blocking, you can easily transform your bird’s cage into a cozy haven. Pay close attention to your bird’s behavior to ensure they are maintaining proper body temperature and not showing signs of illness related to chilling. A warm bird is a happy, healthy bird ready to thrive even in winter’s chill!
