Winter Pet Bird Care — Cold Weather Protection Guide

Birds are relatively cold-tolerant animals, but sudden temperature changes and drafts can cause health problems. Here's how to properly insulate and manage their environment during winter.

Types of Pet Heaters and How to Choose

• Panel heaters: Mounted outside the cage. Gently warms with radiant heat
• Perch heaters: Warms directly from underfoot. Popular for small birds
• Heat lamps: Can warm the entire cage, but requires a protective cover to prevent direct contact

Always place heaters outside the cage or use a protective cover so birds cannot touch them directly.

Ideal Temperature and Insulation Covers

• The comfortable temperature range for most pet birds is 20--25°C
• At night, cover the cage with an insulation cover or blanket to block cold air
• However, do not seal completely. Ensure there is adequate ventilation

Balancing Ventilation and Humidity

Indoor air tends to become dry in winter due to heating.

• Ventilate briefly each day. Be careful not to expose birds directly to cold air
• Place a humidifier near the cage to combat dryness from heating
• Aim to maintain humidity at 40--60%

Winter Diet

• Birds burn more energy to maintain body temperature in winter, so provide higher-calorie seeds and pellets in larger quantities
• Supplement calcium with cuttlebone or mineral blocks
• Change water daily. Let cold water reach room temperature before offering