Winter Concerns
By Deb Stout from Lafeber Co.

Winter is now in full swing, bringing with it new concerns for bird owners. One major concern- maintaining a steady body temperature in your pet bird.

The body temperature of a bird runs between 104°-109°. Birds in the wild can tolerate extremes in temperatures much better than pet birds. A wild bird's system becomes acclimated to the nasty winter weather by degrees. The changing of seasons triggers the metabolism to "gear up" for cold. Our modern homes give our birds no opportunity to adjust to nature. In centuries past, the heat in homes decreased at night when the fires went out, creating a need for heavy cloth cage covers to retain heat. Now homes are climate controlled, with temperatures rarely fluctuating.

To protect your bird, keep him out of cold drafts. You can also try gradually lowering the heat of your home to allow your bird's body to adjust to colder conditions. A heat range of from 68°-75° is ideal, but temperatures in the low 60's can be tolerated if your bird has ample time to adjust.

Humidity in the air is also a major wintertime concern. A lack of humidity can cause your bird's skin to dry and flake. A humidifier can regulate the humidity to an ideal 40%-50%. Misting your pet with water can also help. Try to mist your bird in the morning, however, to allow ample time for the feathers to dry. Never place your bird directly in front of a furnace register. Direct heat from these ducts can be as hot as 130°, which can quickly cause your bird to overheat.

This bit of information was brought to you by:
Deb Stout from Lafeber Co.