Keeping Birds warm in the cooler months;
Indoor bird cages should be kept away from windows and doors, covered at all four sides with no gaps, or opportunity for drafts during the night.
Heat lamps or oil heaters can be used during the night or when the room gets too cold. They should be placed in the corner where your bird generally sleeps, however it shouldn’t be placed too close to the blankets or bird as over heating can occur.
Other options like temperature setting heated perches are also available and can be left on all night provided its not too high. This however this is a questionable resource as there is a potential for over heating on feet and there are reports of high electro magnetic radiation current (enough to power a static radio through a wall!? Source.)
“Bird tents” or “Huts” are an option for single birds however; there should be an emphasis on care and EXTRA monitoring when using these items as some bird can chew the fabric fibres. If that is the case then instant removal is necessary as the fabric fibres can cause entanglement from loose strings and intestinal obstructions over time if accidently swallowed. Natural materials like sea grass huts or coconut huts are a safer option and provide good insulation for your bird.
If keeping multiple birds together is a safe option (i.e they get along with no issues), then that can also help with warmth as they snuggle up to each other exchanging body heat.
Feeding birds extra food at night just before sleep helps circulating heat through the body. This occurs while digesting food through their system and keeps metabolic rate up when doing so.
Bird jumpers are an option for birds who feather pluck or are used to an indoor environment and are outside during a cool part of the day. You should never put a jumper on your bird without thorough training first, the same as applied for harness training.
During the day, plenty of opportunities for exercise, flight, and enrichment, and playtime with toys can also help regulate body warmth through activities. Food foraging is a great, relaxing way to do this.
Keeping cages near windows where sunlight comes inside directly during the day is a good warming opportunity. However be aware of over heating your bird and if the day warms up move your bird partially out of the sun to provide some shade.
Birds in outdoor aviaries or cages should be provided access to shelter - small enclosed spaces with nest boxes in them, where there are no drafts - for dry spaces and warmth. A wind breaker like solid plastic sheeting should also be attached in winter months. They should be given access to free flowing air, natural sunlight and an easy clean flooring. Generally concrete covered in in a substrate like red compacting gravel or blue metal gravel is an easily cleaned substrate, quick dry and provides a surface that won’t injure young or sick birds if they fall from a height.
In places where it snows or gets below zero Celsius - heat lamps with caging to prevent smashing or chewing of electrical cords - should be used in the sheltered part of an aviary.
