Are you and your parrot ready for winter?

Birds are normally comfortable at temperatures that humans are comfortable. (50 – 85 degrees). What birds do not do well with is a sudden change in temperature for a long period of time. Do your best to maintain a constant temperature throughout the cold winter months.

Due to their ‘down insulation’ birds can tolerate cooler temperatures. Birds need an environment with 60% relative humidity so their respiratory system does not become too dry, which may make them prone to disease. A humidifier will help if the environment is too dry. If the bird appears to be cold, such as sitting with fluffed feathers, suggestions to try are:

• Heated Perches
• Heat Panels (by Avitech)

Hang a heating pad on the outside of the cage where the bird normally perches. Cover the heating pad with a towel & make sure the electrical cord is out of reach of the bird.

Note: Never use heat lamps, which can cause burns to the skin. Never use kerosene heaters, which are toxic to birds. Never use ozone producing filters.

Wood burning fireplaces and furnaces are safe as long as the chimney is working properly. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned and then maintained throughout the winter months. Propane and natural gas heaters are safe to use.

Provide the birds with enough light during the winter months. This can be accomplished through the use of full spectrum lighting. Provide at least 4 hours of full spectrum lighting and a total of 6 hours of general lighting equaling 10 hrs.

Limit the number of baths given during winter months. When bathing don’t allow the bird to become too wet & verify the air temp is 68-69 degrees minimum. A hair dryer or towel can be used to speed the drying time. Bill Mansey from Ziggy’s Parrot Place located in Largo, Florida, suggests purchasing the synthetic chamois-type cloths.  He ran across them about 20 years ago at a local flea market.  They have been recently re-introduced as the "Sham-Wow” on TV.  Bill suggests using these to dry your birds after their shower and said that they work MUCH better than a towel as they are much more absorbent.

Another big concern for the winter months is the possibility of a power outage.  Be sure to have a back-up plan to keep your birds warm and safe.  Some ideas for being prepared are to own a generator, talk to friends or family members to see if they would be willing to house your birds should there be a power outage for an extended time.

Traveling during the cold months of winter can be a challenge. Always be sure that your vehicle is warmed and ready before transporting your bird. It is recommended to use a travel carrier to take your bird from the house to the car. Be sure to cover the carrier with a towel or blanket when the carrier is exposed to the great outdoors.

The winter holidays also pose many risks for our feathered companions. Be sure to keep all poinsettias, tinsel and holiday decorations out of your birds reach. With all of the festivities going on in ones household, turning your back for a moment could spell disaster if your parrot finds his way to toxic decorations and plants.