How Cold is Too Cold?

[Michie3]

Hi! I am currently concerned for my little Black Capped Conure. My husband and I tend to keep his room a decent temperature, however, my husband is active military and I will be needing to stay with my parents for a year. Now, I love my parents but... they keep their house FREEZING. I remember times when I'd fog my glasses up just by breathing in their house. What are some ways that I can make sure that my little conure doesn't freeze? I know that they are sensitive to the cold

[Monica]

If they are acclimated to the temps they will do fine...
YouTube - Quaker Parrots in the Snow

However, for your average household pet who's used to warmer temps, you can get a heat lamp, or even a heating panel
Infrared Heating for Birds

[birdsnreps]

yea, i would prob try a heat lamp too. there are heating perches, but ive heard that some birds have burned their feet with them, so i wouldnt try them :( it gets really cold down here in texas during winter, i just get some safe, furry fabric, cut it into strips that will fit snugly around a perch, and i just hand-sew them around the perches, lol. it keeps their feet warm at least!!

[Macaaaw]

A well bird can stand lower temps than a stressed bird. If you can see your breath in the house, that is too cold even for your water pipes! lol

The biggest problem is drafts. An open window lets the wind in, and that is a killer of birds. If your bird has a nest box or something like this, that will help.

Bird Bed

[Oscars Mom]

Id get it one of those furry buddies or tents they have conures are supposed to like them too.

[birdlady49]

Originally Posted by Oscars Mom

Id get it one of those furry buddies or tents they have conures are supposed to like them too.

No! They're dangerous. There's another thread here about a conure that died as a result of being caught in those awful things.

[Tishrei]

I have a ceramic heater that can be moved from room to room. They are a LOT safer than those space heaters that can catch fire. In fact, I leave it on all night for my critters and can set the temperature to what I want it to be.

I am extra cautious regarding temperature and cold because my bird lacks feathers so I make sure I keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

[saucie]

Originally Posted by birdlady49

No! They're dangerous. There's another thread here about a conure that died as a result of being caught in those awful things.

They can be dangerous, but I really doubt it's a high percentage. I guess some people would rather not take the risk, but it doesn't seem to be any more of a risk than all the other toys hanging in the cage. I'm not taking my conure's Happy Hut away from him; he loves it and it's where he feels safest.

I think the furry buddy is fine, as long as the material isn't being ingested or chewed.

[Nazir's]

Saucie... I hear that! (Sorry, I just couldn't resist)

I too have two small heaters that I'll be placing in the birds room and the dogs room. Those are the coldest rooms in the house, even when the heat is on. Theses heaters are safe and will only be on during the night. The rooms tend to obtain a normal temp. throughout the day.

This was just recently discussed, below you'll find a few responses:
"One of the characteristics of good people like all of you, and us, is that we think in "people" terms and not bird terms. We, too,have always been sensitive about cold nights (not that it gets too cold very often in So. California). The truth of the matter isthat parrots are endotherms. The following is the official Britannica explanation: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------"So-called warm-blooded animals; that is, those that maintain a constant body temperature independent of the environment. The endotherms include the birds and mammals. If heat loss exceeds heat generation, metabolism increases to make up the loss or theanimal shivers to raise its body temperature. If heat generation exceeds the heat loss, mechanisms such as panting or perspiringincrease heat loss. Unlike ectotherms, endotherms can be active and survive at quite low external temperatures, but because theymust produce heat continuously, they require high quantities of 'fuel' (i.e., food)." So, as some have already noted, the problem with temperature is the "heat," not the cold. I certainly wouldn't want to leave a birdout in 20 degree temperatures, but I know avian vets that have their birds out in temperatures around the 40's. Just make sure theyhave good diets and have enough to eat."

"This is pretty interesting, as my vet has told me that Greys should not be kept in below 57-58 degree temps."

[stepht25]

Avitech Exotic Birds - Supplies, Equipment and Nutritional Supplements for Birds! I don't have any personal experience with these - but have heard from a few people that have them for their birds and love them. Might be an option.

Sorry - just realized it's the same link Monica put up.