How to Keep Tropical Birds Warm When the Power Goes Out

Tropical birds need a warm environment to survive. During the year, snowstorms or other severe weather conditions can down power lines and cause power outages. Without electricity, it is harder to heat a home and keep tropical birds warm. But there are a few things a bird owner can do to keep the tropical birds warm when the power goes out.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage cover or blanket
  • Glass jar
  • T-shirt or thin towel
  • Battery-operated infrared heat lamp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Move the bird cage away from any windows or doors. Keeping the tropical birds away from drafts will help to keep them warm.

    • 2

      Place a cover on the cage. If you don't have a cage cover, a heavy blanket placed over the cage also works well. Leave a small opening that the blanket doesn't cover. This allows air to enter.

    • 3

      Increase the humidity level in the home. After baths or showers, open the door so the humid air reaches other parts of the house. Heat a pot of water on a gas or wood-burning stove to get moist, warm air circulating. Tropical birds need not only warm air but moist air to thrive.

    • 4

      Fill a large glass jar with hot water, and close the lid lightly. Put a T-shirt or thin towel around the jar, and place it in the bird cage. The heat from the water helps to warm the cage. Using the jar with Step 2 is even more effective for keeping tropical birds warm.

    • 5

      Use a battery-operated infrared heat lamp made for birds. Heat lamps are an ideal way to keep birds warm all-year round. If the power goes out, a unit with a battery backup or that uses only batteries is useful in such situations.