Keeping the little cherubs warm

[bobble]

I have a couple of questions about how warm the cage should be kept. The box I had made is 4ft x 2ft x 2ft and is kept in my lounge. I am looking to get some lighting to go on top (cut holes in the top and use mesh so they can't get at the light itself), but I was wondering what lights to get that will radiate some heat into the box aswell? also what is the ambient temperature I should be aiming for in the box?

I only ask this because I don't often have the heating on in my house - even in winter - I only put the heating on if I feel cold and only bring it up to a comfortable temperature for myself. But now I have the little birdies and my first winter is coming with them in the house, I'm concerned that they may be too cold.

here's the box:



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[bobble]

forgot to mention that the nest box in the top right hand corner of the cage has been removed

[stace]

If they are in the house, at a temperature that is okay for a human, they'll should be fine. How cold is it in your house?

If they are ever not well, you need to keep them consistently warm. But if they are healthy, they'll be happy at a temp you're happy in.

[bobble]

my house isnt exactly cold but its colder or cooler than most people seem to prefer - people that visit me always say its cold in my house but i've never been one for alot of heat - i always keep windows open a bit too. just too keep the air circulating (hence i rarely get colds and have only had the flu once in 20 yrs)

i would say average ambient temp in my house in winter time is around 15deg C

looking at the picture above would u advise lighting the box with 2 x 18" 5,600K tube lights? 1 each side of the centre line?

thx.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Most birds will be fine at normal households temperatures ranging from the upper 60s to low 80s. I guess that will be roughly around 17 to 25C.

Budgies tend to cope with cold more than they do with heat. It is the constantly varying temperature which creates problem for budgies, which is more likely to happen in case of lamps etc.

I don't think that they will have any problem at 15 C. Be careful of the drafts as you keep your windows open.

[BudgiesBuddy]

Oct 9, 2011 14:26:01 GMT bobble said:

(hence i rarely get colds and have only had the flu once in 20 yrs)
thx.

WOW, that must be a record.

[bobble]

Oct 9, 2011 15:23:43 GMT BudgiesBuddy said:

Oct 9, 2011 14:26:01 GMT bobble said:

(hence i rarely get colds and have only had the flu once in 20 yrs)
thx.

WOW, that must be a record.

probably is lol