Winter cold air has arrived for many of us and that means keeping our beloved parrots warm and happy during the colder months. Just like people, our feathered friends may need a little extra TLC when the temperatures drop. So, how can you winterize your bird area and make sure your parrots stay toasty warm and snuggly?
Bundle Up
First things first, let's talk about some of the essentials for winter bird care. First, your bird will need a cozy and draft-free environment to stay warm and healthy during colder months. Make sure their cage is placed away from any drafts or cold air/heating vents. Even warm air blowing directly on a bird can cause severe respiratory problems. Consider adding extra bedding or blankets to your bird's cage to help retain heat, especially during the night when your home may be a little cooler. Don't forget to provide plenty of fresh water 24/7, as hydration is an important key to staying warm!
Layer Up
Now let's get those bundle-up basics covered, by getting creative with keeping the cold air at bay. One way is to drape a blanket over the top and three sides of the cage to create a cozy little draft-free home for your parrot. At night you can also cover the front of the cage. Of course, make sure there's still plenty of ventilation for easy breathing for your feathered friend. If your bird has night frights when completely covered, simply leave the front or part of the front uncovered for your bird. I prefer a plain bedsheet as the first layer on my cages. This helps prevent any toenails from getting accidentally hung in other materials and fabrics. Then I can layer with a warmer cover such as a large blanket, quilt, comforter, commercially made cage cover, or even heavy an extra large size beach towel for smaller cages
Some people may choose to use an additional heater such as a radiator heater, space heater or heat lamp to add some extra warmth to their space primarily during the night. I personally only recommend the radiator heaters due to safety reasons and never use a brand new heater that has not been vented and first used far away from your bird as many newer styles have coatings that must be burned off before using anywhere near your bird. Also, be sure there is no non-stick PTFE or other dangerous coatings that can kill your bird.
Some Extra Things to do
Close curtains, drapes, mini-blinds, etc. before bedtime. Move cages away from windows if necessary. My birdroom is also a sunroom with lots of windows. I move all my bird cages inside the room a couple of feet away from the windows during the coldest winter months. Even if your windows are super insulated, the glass usually becomes cold and that cold permeates the room as well. There is a cool technique for using bubble wrap to help insulate windows and glass doors that I have used and it really does help. Use door draft stoppers at the bottom of doorways, and if you have a storm door as well as your main door, make sure the storm door is securely pulled shut as well.
It is also a very good idea to have a travel cage handy with any necessary must-haves (such as food, water bowls or bottles, foot toys, newspaper or other floor coverings) in the event you lose electrical power during a snow/ice storm. A travel cage or carrier can be better covered and insulated from the cold quicker and easier than a large cage or flight, can be brought into a room with more heat, or can be easily transported if you need to change to a warm location somewhere else other than your home.
Summary
So there you have it, my feather loving friends. With a little bit of creativity and a whole lot of love, you can make sure your parrots are happy and warm all winter long. Remember, a cozy parrot is a happy parrot, and a happy parrot is a happy human!
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