Apex Veterinary Centre can help you prepare your exotic bird for colder months
October 7, 2021
There are a surprising number of people around Stirlingshire who keep pet birds such as African Grey Parrots, Senegal/Meyer’s Parrots, Macaws, Conures, Lories, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Budgies, Parakeets, and Lovebirds.
All of these originate from much warmer environments than the average UK home.
Autumn is the ideal time to prepare your exotic bird’s home and routine for the Winter months ahead.
Autumn/Winter exotic bird care tips:
Below, we offer twelve tips that are worth considering as the nights draw in.
- Ensure your house/aviary is warm with no drafts – depends on species, but 20 C is a good starting point.
- Consider a cage/aviary cover at night to keep the warmth in.
- If your heating is on, provide good airflow and ventilation for optimal health.
- Keep humidity levels appropriate for your bird species.
- Avoid stand-alone electric/gas room heaters as they can give off toxic fumes. Likewise, open fires, candles, and incense sticks can be very bad for your bird’s health due to smoke and fumes.
- Invest in a Winter tent for inside your bird’s aviary, they’re usually insulated and ideal for extra warmth.
- Provide lukewarm birdbaths (remove as they go cold). Your bird should be able to quickly dry off after.
- Change drinking water regularly to keep it at room temperature.
- Boost your exotic bird’s immune system by keeping them on a balanced diet, supplemented as necessary with vitamins/minerals.
- Keep lights on during the evening and reduce long periods of darkness to avoid your bird getting stressed. In case of power cuts, keep battery-powered lighting to-hand. Birds and hot uncovered lightbulbs do not mix well.
- Research which seasonal plants are toxic to exotic birds and avoid them.
- Keep your bird away from festive decorations as these can cause stomach blockages and make them poorly.
