A power outage in a cold area is the nightmare of many a tropical bird keeper and in many cases, it can actually prove fatal for the birds, especially if the power it out for more than a couple of hours.
Due to this, we commonly see people reaching out to ask how they can keep their birds warm during a power outage to make sure that their birds have the highest chance of survival.
Most modern homes in extremely cold areas will usually have some type of backup heating system so ideally, you will be able to take advantage of that rather than having to worry about finding a way to keep your birds warm in an emergency.
How To Keep Birds Warm During Power Outage!
The first and most important thing that you can do to keep your birds warm during a power outage is to make sure that they are in a room that is well insulated. This means closing off any doors or windows that might let in drafts, and making sure that there are no gaps or cracks in the walls or ceiling. If you have a fireplace, make sure to block off the opening so that no heat escapes.
Makeshift Nests
Another way to keep your birds warm is to create a makeshift nest for them. This can be done by filling a box with soft materials such as towels or blankets, and placing it in the room with the birds. Make sure that the box is big enough for all of the birds to fit inside, and that there are no gaps or holes that the birds could escape through.
Insulate Yоur Bird’s Cage
If you cannot move your bird’s cage to a warmer room, then you will need to take some steps to insulate it as much as possible. One way to do this is to cover the cage with a thick blanket or towel, making sure that there are no gaps or holes. Another way to insulate the cage is to place it inside another larger cage or box that has been lined with towels or blankets.
Battery Powered Heat Lamps
You can also place a battery powered heat lamp in the room with the birds, but make sure that it is not placed too close to the birds’ cage as this could pose a fire hazard. If possible, try to find a heat lamp that has a red bulb, as this will emit less light and stress the birds less.
Use A Warm Room
As a last resort, you can place the birds’ cage in a warm room such as a bathroom or kitchen, but make sure that the room is well ventilated so that the birds don’t suffocate.
By following these simple steps, you can help to ensure that your birds stay warm and safe during a power outage.
Keep Your Bird In Your Duvet
If you are really struggling to keep your bird warm, then the best thing you can do is put them in your duvet with you. This way, they will be surrounded by your body heat and will be much less likely to get cold. However, make sure that the bird is not in direct contact with your skin as this could lead to them getting too warm.
Kerosene Heater
If you have a kerosene heater, then you can use this to keep your bird warm, but make sure that the room is well ventilated so that the fumes don’t build up and suffocate the bird.
Birds are extremely sensitive to temperature changes and even a small drop in temperature can lead to them becoming hypothermic.
Never leave your bird alone near a kerosene heater though as they are dangerous and should only be used as a last resort.
Are Handwarmers Safe For Birds?
The short answer is yes, hand warmers are safe for birds in an emergency like a power outage where the bird may perish if it is not heated.
However, you need to take a few precautions to make sure that your bird doesn’t get too hot.
First of all, only use one hand warmer at a time and make sure that it is not placed directly against the bird’s body.
Secondly, don’t use the hand warmer for more than a couple of hours at a time, and make sure to check on the bird regularly to make sure that it is not over-heating.
If you take these precautions, then hand warmers can be a safe and effective way to keep your bird warm during a power outage.
We would never recommend that you use hand warmers on your birds in any other situation though as they can be toxic and they really should only be used as an absolute last resort.
