Keeping Your Parrot Warm During Cold Weather Months
Winter can conjure up images of having fun in the snow, warm cocoa (for humans not birds) and the holidays but for bird owners it can also bring a fair amount of stress trying to provide our birds with a warm, yet safe environment for them to remain comfortable in.
Depending on your home's heating system, you may find that additional heat is necessary, particularly in rooms where your birds spend most of their time.
Introducing a space heater into a bird's environment requires some careful consideration. Parrots are naturally curious, and their powerful beaks make short work of exploring electrical cords, controls, and unfamiliar objects. Beyond the obvious risk of burns or electrical injury, certain heating appliances can introduce dangerous fumes into the air.
The goal is to provide a comfortable environment without creating additional hazards.
Start by addressing drafts
Before purchasing a supplemental heater, look for ways to prevent cold air from entering your bird's room. Sealing window gaps, improving weatherstripping, and addressing poorly insulated areas may help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
Sometimes, however, these measures aren't enough, and supplemental heating becomes necessary.
It's also worth monitoring indoor humidity during the winter. Heating a room can lower its relative humidity, potentially contributing to dry indoor conditions. An inexpensive hygrometer can help you keep track of moisture levels. Many companion birds do well with relative humidity around 40–50%, although individual needs vary by species.
Providing opportunities for bathing can help birds maintain healthy feather and skin condition, but bathing should not be considered a substitute for maintaining an appropriate indoor environment. If your humidity is lower than what is recommended for parrots adding a cold mist humidifier into the environment many be necessary as well.
Choosing the right type of heater
When shopping for a space heater, consider the dimensions of the room, its insulation, and how much supplemental heat is actually needed. Manufacturers generally provide recommended room sizes, but these are estimates rather than guarantees.
Two common electric heating options are ceramic space heaters and oil-filled radiators. Both have advantages, but neither should be considered completely safe simply because it is electric.
Ceramic space heaters
Ceramic heaters use electrically heated ceramic components to generate warmth. Many models incorporate a fan to circulate heated air throughout the room.
A fan-assisted model can help distribute warmth more evenly, particularly in larger spaces. Smaller models without fans may be suitable for more confined areas, depending on their heating capacity.
Because these appliances use electricity rather than burning fuel, they do not produce combustion gases during normal operation. However, their heating elements and surrounding surfaces can become extremely hot.
This presents an obvious concern for birds that might fly toward the appliance, land on it or attempt to investigate it.
If choosing a ceramic heater, position it where your bird cannot reach it, maintain the manufacturer's required clearance distances, and prevent your bird gaining access to the power cord.
If your bird is outside of its cage the heater should be off and completely cooled down. Even a clipped bird can take an accidental "flight" and end up landing on the heater and sustaining possible life threatening injuries.
Oil-filled radiators
Oil-filled radiators are another option worth considering for supplemental room heating.
These appliances contain sealed thermal oil that is heated electrically. The warmed oil circulates inside the radiator, transferring heat through its metal exterior and into the surrounding room.
Because they operate without a circulating fan, they provide quiet, relatively gentle heat and avoid the air movement associated with fan-assisted heaters.
Their operation may be appealing in a bird room where minimizing unnecessary air circulation is desirable.
However, there are some important limitations. Oil-filled radiators can take time to warm up, and their exterior surfaces can become hot enough to cause burns. They should never be treated as cool-to-the-touch appliances or placed where a bird can land on them.
As with ceramic heaters, check the manufacturer's information regarding coatings and materials, and keep the appliance safely separated from your birds.
Neither type of electric heater has a proven advantage over the other when it comes to maintaining indoor humidity. Both can lower relative humidity as they warm the room.
Important safety considerations when purchasing a heater
Regardless of the heating technology you select, there are several features and precautions worth prioritizing.
1. Verify that the appliance is PTFE-free.
This is especially important in a household with parrots.
PTFE, commonly associated with nonstick cookware, can release extremely toxic fumes when overheated. Birds are particularly vulnerable to these emissions, which can cause severe respiratory injury and death.
Do not assume that a heater is safe simply because its exterior is metal or ceramic. Potentially hazardous materials may be used in internal heating components or other parts of the appliance.
Contact the manufacturer directly and specifically ask whether PTFE or other fluoropolymer coatings are used anywhere in the product, including the heating element, internal components, and fan assembly.
If the manufacturer cannot provide a clear answer, choosing another appliance is the more prudent decision.
2. Choose a heater with a reliable thermostat.
A built-in thermostat helps regulate room temperature and prevents unnecessary overheating.
This is particularly important in smaller rooms, where temperatures can rise quickly. Consider using a separate room thermometer to monitor the actual conditions around your birds rather than relying exclusively on the heater's settings.
3. Look for essential safety features.
A quality heater should include appropriate safeguards, such as:
- Automatic shutoff if the appliance tips over.
- Overheat protection.
- A reliable thermostat.
- Electrical safety certification from a recognized testing organization.
These features reduce risks, but they do not eliminate the need for supervision and proper placement.
4. Consider the placement carefully.
Keep the heater well away from your bird's cage, perches, curtains, furniture, bedding, and other combustible materials.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends maintaining at least three feet of clearance between portable heaters and combustible objects.
Use a stable, level surface and ensure your bird cannot reach the electrical cord. Electric space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord or power strip.
5. Follow the manufacturer's initial-use instructions.
Some new appliances may produce an odor during their first operation. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for initial setup and operation.
Do not assume that running a heater for a particular amount of time makes an appliance safe for birds. If an unusual odor, smoke, or irritation occurs, discontinue use and investigate the source before bringing the appliance into the bird's environment.
The above photo is a PTFE-free electric fireplace.
What about fireplaces and fuel-burning heaters?
Wood-burning stoves and fireplaces introduce additional considerations.
Even properly functioning fireplaces and wood stoves can produce smoke and combustion pollutants. Poor ventilation, damaged chimneys, or blocked flues can allow dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter the home.
Have fuel-burning heating systems and chimneys professionally inspected and maintained. Install working carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors throughout your home.
Avoid using portable kerosene heaters, unvented gas heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances in your birds' living environment. Carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts can be dangerous to birds and people alike.
Remember that birds may be affected by airborne contaminants long before their human companions recognize a problem.
A final word about winter heating
Keeping your birds comfortable during the colder months involves more than simply finding a heater that produces enough warmth. The materials used in the appliance, its placement, electrical safety, and the quality of the surrounding air all deserve consideration.
No portable heater should be considered completely risk-free around parrots. Even a well-designed appliance needs to be positioned carefully and monitored appropriately.
When in doubt, consult your avian veterinarian about suitable environmental temperatures for your particular species and circumstances.
A little preparation before winter arrives can go a long way toward keeping your feathered family members comfortable and safe.
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for individualized veterinary advice. Consult an avian veterinarian about your bird's specific environmental and temperature requirements.
One important safety addition
If you suspect your bird has been exposed to toxic fumes:
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Immediately move the bird to fresh, uncontaminated air.
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Contact an avian veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
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Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
PTFE or carbon monoxide exposure can progress extremely quickly.
Article by Kim Russell, Parrot Behavior Consultant. She is not currently taking new clients, but if you find yourself in need of support you can book with our other wonderful consultants here.
Reference resources:
1. Merck Veterinary Manual – Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Pet Birds .Particularly useful for household toxins and respiratory hazards.
2. VCA Animal Hospitals – Teflon Poisoning in Birds . Excellent explanation of PTFE exposure and its dangers.
3. VCA Animal Hospitals – Household Hazards and Dangers to Birds . Useful for humidity and general bird safety.
4. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Space Heater Safety . Supports the electrical and fire-prevention recommendations.
5. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Heating Systems and Carbon Monoxide .Supports the fireplace and fuel-burning appliance warnings.
21 comments
Do you happen to have a name and or link to a safe electric heater I can purchase.
What is the best home heater when you have birds? I have a Blue Crown Conure who is 34 years old. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Jacqueline
Someone commented & asked about the Lasko ceramic heater being bird safe. I contacted the manufacturer & they said they would not recommend this heater around birds, that it’s not safe.
Thank, great in formation about the heat source. I have a over size room with a over size cage. The room is very cool in the winter and I have been looking for days to find a good safe heating arrangement for my bird. I have been told so many different things to use, that my head hurts..no kinding here. Keeping my bird warm is golden..Suggestions are truely thankful.
Have you ever tried a heated perch? I’ve seen people using bird heater in their cages on FaceBook. What’s your opinion on them? Thank you.
Hello, Can you provide specific makes/models of bird safe heaters? I live in Canada. Thanks
What about the little heaters you can put inside the cage they sell them on Amazon and some pet sites?
As a budgie mom in high school 60+ years ago, and a soon-to-be rehomed budgie parront, I am evaluating possible bird dangers in my 1 BR 3rd floor apartment. There are SO MANY MORE home dangers now than 60+ years ago! My winter goals in Indianapolis: lower room temp to ~68 to save $$ and keep air humidified to minimum ~41% for skin comfort, elimination of annoying static cling, and to stave off sinus infections. Appliances I currently own: Vornado VH110 room heater (https://www.viewpoints.com/Vornado-Whole-Room-Vortex-Heater-reviews) along with layering clothes (and a “heat rises” 3rd floor apartment), have allowed me to run central heat way less in cold weather. This model has been replaced by newer models. CNN recently recommended the AVH10 as “Best Space Heater Overall” https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-space-heater and it is an Amazon Choice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVIOFNG Humidifiers (each 1 gal capacity): Boneco steam humidifier https://www.boneco.us/en-us/s250 Miko Myst ultrasonic cool mist https://shopmiko.com/products/myst-humidifier-for-allergy-and-sinusitis I use a small portable humidity meter / thermometer to monitor different areas of apartment. I have used different models of Vornado space heaters (and air circulators for warm weather) for ~15 years and have been very pleased with quality, performance and customer service. I bought both humidifiers 2 years ago. A primary consideration was a unit that could be taken apart to be thoroughly and easily cleaner / disinfected. Both have exceeded my expectations for performance and cleaning ease. I have also used Nokout for ~12 years to disinfect humidifiers. Am pleased to discover Nokout is also avian safe: https://nokout.com/clean-your-aviary-with-nok-out-or-sniper/ https://nokout.com/the-effects-of-chlorine-dioxide-around-animals/ Vornado space heaters / air circulators check for all human and pet safety features: NO teflon / PTFE (per phone call to Vornado CS), auto shut-off, cool touch, adjustable thermostat/climate control, forced air (no toxic fumes). The ONLY possible danger to avians that I can think of might be the grills: possibly claws and beaks could get caught if pets are curious and unsupervised. You don’t get rid of your dangerous-to-pets kitchen stove just because you have a bird. You, the responsible pet parront, supervise as needed.
Could you please provide links to good heater options?
Wht heater is safe for my conure bird
are diesel heaters safe? to go camping with my birds it would be nice to just use my diesel heater that is already hooked up to my car. i have a carbon monoxide detector as well
I have 3 conures that are not caged. They sleep up on top of a cabinet. I want some sort of heat that does not require electricity. What can I use?
I love the Sweeter Heater heating panels for birds! You have to burn off the smell for several days before it’s safe to use for your birds (I burned off in an upstairs room far from the bird’s area downstairs.) We jimmy rigged some adjustable, metal arms to hold the panel a few inches away from the back of the cage. We cover the top of the cage with blankets at night or when it gets too chilly.
If you live in a cold climate and have no electricity you could get an infrared bird heater that draws about 35 watts and get a solar powered inverter… this would be a good option for backup if power goes out. Cons- it can be a bit pricey. Check Tango’s Cozy Roost Heat panels- I have three and they are awesome. Just don’t cover the entire cage or it will get too warm, and the mini to small will heat quite a large cage toasty as the heat rises to the top where the birds sleep.
What Bruce Garrick says below! How do you keep your birds warm in winter if you have no electricity and live in a cold climate?
This article complete glides past the reason anyone would need a kerosene space heater: No electricity. As energy prices inevitably rise rolling blackouts are becoming more than common in some states. So the question being avoided is; “How can I keep my parrots warm with out electricity.” Why don’t you answer that?
Hello, We just bought a Lasko-model CT 16558 to use in our kitchen to keep it warmer that 60 degrees at night. It is a Ceramic tower heater. Is this safe for our Cockatiel and green cheek conure. the cockatiel is 15yrs old and the conure is about 6. Thank you for your help Jeff Martin-San Jose, Ca
I recently found out that my red lored Amazon who I have had for 27 years and is 35 years old has mild to moderately enlarged left ventricle and Mild mitral valve regurgitation. He was put on enalapril and pe 2x day. Since he was diagnosed and put on this medication I have noticed that he appears to be cold more often then before but of course I am now so overly concerned for him and I am probably noticing things that were there all along but didn’t seem like a big thing to me. We keep the house at about 73 or 74 degrees sometimes he is shivering and at other times He Flops so I am not sure if he is cold or overheated. In any event I would like to reduce the temperature night because it is really a little too warm for comfortable sleeping but I am afraid he will then get too cold. I am currently using a small ceramic space heater that is bird safe no Teflon or PTFE. I cover his cage at night therefore the space heater mostly keeping the room warmer that it is keeping him. I have checked into all different things oil-filled heaters other ceramic heaters electric purchase little rectangular bird heater I think by k&h and to be honest none of those other things work he will not snuggle up to the k&h heater he will not stand on the electrical parts so I was thinking of using a 36-inch heating pad along the back of the cage and attaching it to the cage with clips only during the night. I read what you said when somebody asked about using an electric blanket that does make a lot of sense. The heating pad would not cover the entire back of the cage it would cover three-quarters of the West and about 1/3 of the height. He is not a very curious bird at all and he sleeps in the exact same spot every night towards the top of the cage but he does not snuggle up on any of the sides and Suites about halfway between the front and back of the cage. I also saw tell me stuff about ambient heater panels but they are extremely expensive and I have no idea which brand has any would be safe for the birth and and wondering do you think it would be safe for me to see if the heating pad would work. I am 100% certain he will not go over towards the heating pad but like I said I would do a test run for about a week first or do you think I should try the ambient heater panel and if so what brand would you recommend it would have to be able to be attached to the cage. Also, I saw a lot of heating items for chickens and I’m wondering if they are safe for parrots. Anyways, send the reason you gave for not using an electric blanket all right because it would cover the entire cage, not allow air flow because of its thickness and the potential of the bird trying to chew on it and none of those items would be occurring what do you think?
Can you give me a name of a safe heater if my electric should go out? I have an African Grey. Thank You
I have reverse cycle heating is that safe. What temp for Budgie.
Are ventless gas fireplace logs ok?
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