Heat Lamps

[bobojenday]

Hello. I have a jenday conure and a couple finches. Now that the cooler temps are approaching I was wondering if it would be safe to use a heat lamp or infrared light by their cage to give them some extra warmth on a daily basis and would leaving it on most of the day be a problem or cause them harm? I realize some have a teflon coating and I would make sure to use one that doesn't have this. I would also make sure to hang a towel to make sure they can get out of the light if they want to. I've had Bobo (the conure) for 7 years so I'm aware of the common birdie dangers and what not just wondering about the light. My main reason for wanting to do it is because my little spice finch girl is getting older (she's 4) and now that the house is cooler I'm worried she may get sick easier at her age. When it's sunny out she always sits in the window I'm assuming for the warmth, so I thought maybe a heat lamp would be nice for her and the rest.

[hollyhawkz]

The best idea is probably to get a full spectrum light bulb. Our's throws off lots of heat and they need the full spectrum light to stay healthy. Wawa is in the light for 4 to 7 hours each day.

[Monica]

After hearing of a canary that died short of it's 20th birthday, I have a hard time imagining that 4 years, even for a finch, is old.... less of course it's on a seed only diet.

They do make ceramic heat lamps... lamps that DO NOT give off light, only heat...

[Jan in MD]

When I had an ill cockatiel, I purchased a reptile light from my vet's office. I have it clamped on my finch cage on a timer. It goes on for an hour each morning and they take their morning bath, then bask under it to dry off.

I also have one on my budgie flight for cool mornings or evenings. Just flip that one on as needed.

[bobojenday]

Originally Posted by Monica

After hearing of a canary that died short of it's 20th birthday, I have a hard time imagining that 4 years, even for a finch, is old.... less of course it's on a seed only diet.

They do make ceramic heat lamps... lamps that DO NOT give off light, only heat...

Most websites I've read that zebra and spice finches normally live between 4-8 years. With some living as long as 10 -12 but it's rare so I don't think saying "she's getting older" is really untrue. All my 3 birds are on a Harrison's high potency pellet diet not seeds and have been for over 2 years now as I made the switch knowing that pellets are healthier but also to choose wisely on which pellets too.

I'll have to check into those ceramic ones that only give off heat maybe, and the full spectrum lights too. Time to do some research..

Thanks for the tips. I appreciate your replies.

[tielfan]

What's the normal temperature range in the birds' native environment? You don't need a heat lamp unless you're letting the house temperature drop below that level. Sudden dramatic temperature changes are bad, but if the change in house temperature comes about gradually it mimics conditions that the birds would find in nature, and they'll adapt.

[Monica]

That I understand perfectly well, on age! I've read that canaries don't generally live longer than 2-5 years, maybe just a tad longer... same goes for budgies!

Best of luck with your research!