Caring for your pet bird in winter
Seasonal changes can have as much effect on your pet bird as humans, the winter can impact their health and natural behaviours. On this page we will look into how you can help keep your pet bird warm during the winter months as well as navigating increased health risks. It’s also important to stay alert to common winter poisons and increased outdoor risks.
Do birds sleep and eat more in winter?
During winter, you might find your pet bird spending more time resting and napping and potentially seeking out warmer areas in their cage. This is normal as they try to conserve energy and stay warm. They may also fluff their feathers more and appear less active. However, if you notice your bird is excessively fluffing up, burying their beak in their chest, or showing lethargy, it may be a sign they are too cold and need additional warmth.
Birds will have a slightly increased appetite to maintain body heat in cold conditions, so ensure they always have access to plenty of food and fresh water and make sure their water doesn't freeze over.
How to keep birds healthy in winter
Winter increases certain health risks from cold temperatures, dry skin and feathers, and respiratory problems for pet birds.
- Keep warm - you can help maintain a comfortable temperature by keeping your bird's cage away from radiators and drafts, and using a cage cover to retain heat.
- Provide a healthy diet - birds may eat more in the winter, so offer them a balanced diet with lots of vitamins to help them stay warm and fight off illness.
- Provide fresh water - birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing all year, and especially in the winter when the air is drier.
- Maintain humidity - use a humidifier to help prevent dry skin and dull feathers.
- Provide exercise - encourage your bird to move around and play to help them generate body heat.
- Avoid stress - keep your bird in a quiet place and stick to their normal routine.
Winter health issues for birds
Symptoms: if your bird shows signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or sneezing, this could indicate underlying respiratory problems.
Action: If your bird shows any signs of respiratory problems, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
How to keep birds warm in winter
Pet birds in winter can be at risk of getting cold, especially if the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F). If you keep pet birds in aviaries, coops, or runs, then you should also protect them from the cold weather. Provide plenty of additional dry, warm bedding such as straw and cover enclosures to keep the wind and rain out.
Birds will eat more to keep warm in cold conditions so ensure the birds always have access to plenty of food and fresh water, ensuring water does not freeze over.
Never house animals, including birds, in greenhouses and take caution if housing them in conservatories.
How to keep birds safe in winter
Keeping your pet bird safe is important all year round, here are some common health risks you can look out for that they may face in the winter months.
- Avoid toxic fumes - Non-stick frying pans can build up toxic fumes and cause respiratory problems. Move your bird away from the kitchen to avoid this. If your bird shows any signs of respiratory problems, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
- Be aware of decorations - Christmas trees and other decorations can scare your bird, so keep an eye on them.
- Be aware of power outages - Plan for power outages, especially if you live in a rural area and how you'll keep your bird warm.
Common winter poisons for birds
Many foods and items around the house can be poisonous to pet birds, look out for the following to ensure your bird is kept safe:
Foods
- Onions - contains sulfur compounds that, when chewed, can irritate the lining of a bird’s mouth, esophagus, causing ulcers
- Avocado - contain persin which can cause heart damage and respiratory difficulty
- Caffeine - can increase heart rate, induce arrhythmias and hyperactivity, and even cause cardiac arrest in birds
Nonstick cookware
Teflon and other nonstick surfaces - can emit vapors that are toxic to birds. All nonstick cookware and other nonstick coated appliances, including some stoves (in particular, the self-cleaning oven feature) and toasters, should be avoided in homes with birds.
Alcohol
Wine, beer, and other alcohols - can depress a bird's organ systems and lead to death so keep them out of reach.
Never ‘watch and wait’
If you suspect your bird's been poisoned, contact a vet immediately.