Heating Aviary?

[deanne]

I am wanting advice on how to properly heat my aviary.  It is 8' long x 3' wide x 8' tall.  It has a roof that traps heat at the top, so the budgies can get some warmth up near the ceiling when needed.

When it gets cooler at about 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), I drop all four see-through restaurant tarps on each side.  If I am only trying to block wind, I can drop tarps on only one or two sides.

When it gets below 50 degrees F, I think I should heat the aviary with my flat-panel chicken coop heater which hangs near the top of the aviary and close to the shelf where their nesting boxes are.  

What advice would you all give regarding heating?  Should I heat it at 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) or should I wait to turn on the heater when it gets a bit colder?

My flock is a happy little flock with about 20 birds - many of which were born in the aviary (I started with only 4).  So, they are somewhat acclimated to our climate.

Thank you for any advice!!

[wocal]

Hi, I've thought the same thing before. When I researched the topic people use the red heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters pointed at the cage from outside where they can't touch it and out of the way any fire hazards with 2 bulbs going in case one burns out and with a back up battery so it won't go out if your power cuts. the other thing you could get is one of those cozy things where they cuddle against it and it emits a safe amount of heat. and then the last thing is heated perches so their feet stay warm. Hope some of this info helps. I also have never done it only researched what others have done.

[birdguhl]

deanne, look at this too budgerigarsforum.proboards.com/thread/19701/location-size-insulated-chamber