If you are planning to keep a cockatiel as your pet then you are probably wondering what is the correct temperature for your pet.
Can they survive the extreme cold? Well, the answer is no. Cockatiels get uncomfortable if the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several ways though to keep your pet bird warm and cozy even when the temperature takes a serious dip.
Cockatiels are generally warm-blooded birds and they are not well adapted to survive cold weather. Hence, a temperature dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can make them feel uncomfortable. You need to take action to keep your pet comfortable and cozy. We will talk about these steps in the article.
Steps to Keep Your Cockatiels Warm
How to keep cockatiels warm is a matter of concern for many pet owners and for them we have designed a step-by-step procedure to keep their pets warm and happy. Here they are as follows-
Choose the location of the cage carefully
The location of the cage is an important and decisive factor when it comes to keeping your bird. The room should be free of wind.
This naturally increases the temperature of the room. Seal the windows with duct tape or a piece of cloth for that matter and your room will have a pretty comfortable temperature for the bird.
Avoid keeping your pet near the radiator.
Specially Designed Nests
In the market, you will find specially designed warming nests for your feathered friends. These nests are placed inside the cages for your bird.
When the environment gets too cold for your birds, they can take shelter in these nests to keep them warm. These nests are specially insulated so the birds can be warm in cold weather.
Use Cage Covers
Cage covers are an absolutely great idea to keep your birds warm at night. You can purchase special cage covers or simply use a blanket for the job.
Drape the cage cover over the cage of the bird to keep them warm at night. This is also a good idea for birds that have a problem sleeping at night.
Using special cage covers is always advised over using blankets because they are made of 100% breathable materials.
Use Humidifiers for Air
Using an air humidifier is a good idea to keep your cockatiels dry. When you ask How to keep cockatiels warm, we often forget the fact that the air being dry is also a big problem for your bird.
Using an air humidifier causes less dryness in the air and keeps the temperature of the room warm as well.
Use Air Heater
Using an air heater is always an option. Buy a heather specially designed for your cockatiels. You can keep them attached to the nest.
Some heaters have sensors that start functioning automatically when the temperature of the room drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using heat lamps or space heaters is also advisable. These devices are best suited to keep the environment around your bird warm enough.
Can Cockatiels Survive the Cold
The short answer is yes. Cockatiels do survive cold weather. But they are not made for the extreme cold weather because they are warm-blooded birds and they are more suited for tropical countries.
Related Post : How Long Can a Cockatiel Go Without Water ?
Having said that, the cold temperature is a matter of debate among many experts. But cockatiels are uncomfortable when the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
You have to ensure that your bird is warm and well-fed in cold temperatures. Cockatiels need more calories to survive cold weather and to keep their energy levels up.
If you live in a part of the country where the temperature is always cold, then keep your bird indoors at all times and make sure that the temperature is regulated in the room. Also, hydration is a problem for birds in cold weather.
Provide them with fresh and clean water for their consumption. Dehydration is a problem for birds living in colder environments.
Signs that my Cockatiel is Cold
Birds do not express their problems such as humans. So keeping an eye out for symptoms is extremely important. Check regularly if your bird is showing signs of-
- Feather fluffing is a symptom of uncomfortable weather. Birds such as cockatiels and parakeets fluff their feathers when they are cold. They also fluff feathers when they are relaxing or sleeping. But when cockatiels fluff feathers for a long duration of time, they are usually doing that because of the cold environment.
- Check if their eyes are open. An ill or cold cockatiel will have its eyes half-opened. This is a sign that there is something wrong with your bird. When petted your cockatiel should close your eyes. This is also a sign.
- If your cockatiel is sleeping more than it should then it usually is a sign of ill health. Just like humans, cockatiels should also have specific hours to sleep.
- Discharge is a normal sign that your cockatiel is well. But too much discharge can be a symptom of cold and should be consulted with a vet.
- Sneezing is the most obvious symptom of a cockatiel suffering in cold weather. Immediately bring your bird to a warm room and consult a vet if necessary.
- Weight loss is a very neglected factor for birds. It usually is a sign of ill health and exactly why every bird owner should have a weighing scale for their bird. Small birds like cockatiels do not have the fat content to survive extreme hardships. Hence their weight needs to be monitored regularly to keep them healthy.
Conclusion
Cockatiels can survive cold but they originate from Australia which is a tropical country. Hence a temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a safe temperature for your pet.
Consulting your vet and new products for your bird are always an option to keep you safe. Keep in mind that when the temperature starts to drop, it is wise to keep the bird indoors in a well-regulated room with proper insulation.
