Fall and Winter Lighting and Warmth

[Karma]

It is getting cooler at night and dark at an earlier hour. We have not prepared for this and need recommendations. We know the basics of keeping the cages away from windows and doors with drafts. What we need to know is what type of set up to use for lighting, moisture, and heat for our and who are housed in two seperate cages, side by side.

What are your recommendations... how are yours set up? Where is the best place to purchase the supplies (USA)?

Thanks in advance,
Karma

[Michael]

Great questions. First of all, it's important that the birds stay warm. It's ok if temperatures gradually decrease from the summer average but you don't want it going too far. 65F and up is fine so don't go crazy trying to perfect it as long as the day-night spread isn't greater than 10-15 degrees. I keep an oil filled electric heater about 8 feet from the bird cages to have a bit more localized heat for them. I keep it on a low setting 24/7. When it gets really dry I'm running a high volume humidifier all the time for my sake as much as theirs. For lighting, full spectrum lights are considered the way to go but I have doubts about how effective they are. The best thing you can possibly do is sneak the birds outside on the occasional warm days of winter. Once in a while we get a day that is 40-60 degrees and really sunny. I put on a light jacket and let the birds hide under it with only their heads exposed. 15 minutes like this will help them soak up sun for an entire week. So any outdoor time is very good.

[Karma]

Great information Michael....thank you!