Heating Cockatiel Cage

[2aussiebirds]

Hi,

I am new to BirdBoard.com and have posted this message before, but can't find it, so I apologize if I am doubling up.

I have 2 beautiful cockatiels and am a new bird owner. Someone recently told me that my house is too cold for the birds and that I should run the heater 24/7. We typically do not leave the house heater on during the day as we would have trouble paying the heating bill.

My birds are inside and get covered at night time. The window blinds near the cage are opened during the day to let the sunlight in. I guess that the temperature in the house gets down to the low 40's overnight.

Is this too cold for the birds and if so, what is the best and safest way of heating their cage?

Thanks!

[birdlady49]

I posted this message to your other thread. Just in case you can't find it, I'm repeating it here:

The Gabriel Foundation, a rescue group in Colorado, allows their birds to fly into their outdoor aviaries if the temps are 45 degrees or higher. But they've gradually acclimated to those temps.

A heating pad set to low under the cage, with a towel in between the pad and the cage, might be a good idea for those nights when your indoor temps go below 60. At the same time, cover the cage on all but the front side.

Personally, I don't like my cockatiels to experience temperatures below 65 degrees indoors.

[tielfan]

Here's your other thread: Heating cage for Cockatiels

I posted an answer there.

[2aussiebirds]

Thank-you everyone for the advice. I am going to try a thermo-perch. This is a heated perch that is supposed to keep them warm. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has used one.

[birdsnreps]

i was gonna try those heated perches, but i heard of some people who's birds have gotten their little feet burned, so i didnt wanna risk it on our birds.