Using heating lamps with birds?

[Babyblue033]

With the weather getting colder I'm of course getting worried about Miki. I was just wondering if it is safe to use one of those heating lamps you use for reptiles. I have one I used to use for my hermit crabs, a night light with a 50W bulb (of course I can get lower wattage bulbs if needed). I would hate to use it and find out that it is dangerous for my baby.

I'm a little reluctant to use small space heaters since I have 5 cats and fear they'll burn themselves or knock it over or something.

[The Outlaw]

A better solution is to invest in an oil filled, radiant heater. They look like portable radiators, but burn no fuel. Instead, the oil is simply heated by electrical coils and then holds and radiates the heat. They run about $100, last for years and usually have a thermostat. Santa is pretty good this time of year with filling wish lists. The drawbacks to heat lamps is that most also illuminate. That can cause birds to have too much light time and not enough dark time. The other advantage is that the oil filled heaters are very efficient, heat the entire room and inexpensive to run.

[Babyblue033]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

The drawbacks to heat lamps is that most also illuminate. That can cause birds to have too much light time and not enough dark time.

Even the "Night Light" for nocturnal reptiles? It's black and it has a low red light, and is meant for heating habitats of nocturnal animals.

I'll definitely look into the oil heater you mentioned. Can I find them in stores or will I have to order online?

[Joel]

Use this, I do, works great and lasts a long time - about $35...Attach safely of course.

Click on "emitter" below pic also....

[Takoda]

why hasn't anyone mentioned a ceramic heat emitter bulb?
they cost about $30 but they last forever, emit no light whatsoever, just heat. You use it in a clamp lamp like a normal reptile bulb.

i have a space heater in my bird room, keeps it at a balmy 75 year round, cost me $20 at wally world.

[atalantae]

I have used a heat light for each of my babies. The ones they use for reptiles. They only emit heat, as to not harm the birds eyes.
They love it after they get their bath.

[Alika]

I use CHE's for my reptiles, and love them, but I have never used an extra heat source for my birds.

In the wintertime, I make sure Beeper's cage is positioned nice and warm away from outside walls, windows, and doors (since he is partially plucked) and just keep the temperature in my house at a minimum of 70F (warmer during the day). I have to keep the temps in my house up, anyway, because of the reptiles.

The bottom line (and I've always believed this) is that if you're comfortable enough to be walking around inside without a jacket or coat and not be cold, then a fully feathered bird in good health should be just fine, too. For Beeper, we bump that up 5 degrees (from 65 to 70 minimum) for the spots where he is lacking a little.