Keeping Gouldians warm outside

[Johno]

I live in Brisbane Australia. I currently have my Gouldians inside the house, but I have moved house and they are going to have to go in a cage, in an aviary. That is, in a breeding cage which is just all wire, inside an aviary.

How can I keep these guys warm and not lose any in winter?

[catschair]

How cold does it get? My finches are outside (though the back of their flight is covered on three sides and a roof) with just nests in southern California and they do fine. If you can, move them outside in spring or fall as the weather is gradually changing. If it gets cold, we can come up with lots of suggestions!

[poohbear]

Not suitable...At least cover part of the cage and put a few fir branches in to give them security, and a draught free area to roost.Try sleeping in a tent yourself...only canvas between you and the big wide world but you feel a lot more secure than just sleeping under the stars in the draughts.Mine in the UK have a minimum 50f during the winter.

Paul.

[Johno]

Catschair, I cant have them inside fullstop. They must be kept outside all through the winter.

Poohbear, I am planning on covering half the cage to protect them from the sun. I can enclose the whole half of the cage if i need to, but i still dont think its going to be warm enough. We get temperatures here that can drop to around 4 degrees celcius. I dont know what that is in farenheight but 12 degrees celcius is 50 farenheight, so its pretty cold. It shouldnt drop under 50F for gouldians ive been told.

I know i can put a heater in there but i want to avoid that if at all possibe. Having said that, if i HAVE to heat it, whats the best way to go about that without it being a fire hazard?

[poohbear]

Hiya...Infra red heat lamp hung next to the cage so they can get closer or move away as it suits them.I use these for sick birds who will cuddle up close to the bars if they need it.
By far the cheapest and safest heating and provides spot heating rather than heating a whole area...bit like sleeping next to a camp fire.(or a small tubular electric greenhouse heater...only around 80/100 watts)
4c without a warm area would not be suitable for Gouldians no matter how well acclimatised. Zebras,Societies, and budgies yes.
Paul.

[catschair]

Good to know....I was thinking Gouldians were awfully pretty, but seems I had better stick with my crazy zebs (and the rest of the flock).

[Elliott G]

try nestboxor lovebeds for them and you should put one in so they get used too it.