How to Keep a Parakeet Warm When the Power Is Out

Parakeets, or budgies, are tiny Australian parrots that require a warm environment year-round. If you live in an area that is experiencing cold weather and the power goes out, you will need to keep your parakeet warm until heating is restored. You may be able to cuddle your pet to keep it warm for a short time, but that won't help for extended periods. And many pet birds do not cuddle. You don't have to risk a sick or dead parakeet; you can take a few simple actions to keep your pet safe from the cold.

Things You'll Need

  • Heavy towels
  • Sleeping bag or heavy blanket
  • Travel carrier
  • Quart jar
  • Wire
  • Airtight containers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move your parakeet's cage as far away from doors and windows as possible. This will help protect the bird from drafts. Take the bird to the warmest spot in the house.

    • 2

      Line the inside of your parakeet's cage with heavy towels. Wrap the outside of the cage in a sleeping bag or heavy blanket. Leave an opening to allow air into the cage.

    • 3

      Move the parakeet to a small travel carrier that is easier to keep warm if his cage is large. Line the inside with towels and wrap the outside with a blanket or sleeping bag.

    • 4

      Bring the parakeet's enclosure into the room you and the rest of the family are occupying. The human body heat will help your bird stay warmer, too. Snuggle with your bird's carrier under a sleeping bag or heavy blanket. Make sure there's a opening for air to reach your bird.

    • 5

      Fill a quart jar with very hot water. Wrap it in a thick towel. Place the wrapped jar on the floor of your parakeet's cage. Tie a piece of wire around it to secure it to the cage if you're worried about it being tipped over. Keep it wrapped with a towel so that your bird can't burn itself while trying to snuggle with the heat. Cover the cage with a thick blanket.

    • 6

      Set an alarm clock when you go to bed. You need to wake up in about two hours to make sure the water in the jar is still hot. If it has cooled significantly, replace the warm water with very hot water. Judge your next wake-up time according to how warm the bottle was when you woke up. You may need to refresh the hot water often through the night if the room is very cold.

    • 7

      Take the parakeet in her carrier to your room at bedtime as a last resort. Cuddle the carrier under heavy covers with you. Leave an unobstructed opening at the end of the carrier so that air can reach the bird.