Emergency heat source

[mombeanie]

I am a new bird owner in the South. We are not used to a lot of snow or ice in our area and tend to lose power, roads close, etc. We are expecting a winter storm tomorrow and I want to be prepared in case we don't have heat. Are propane heaters safe for birds? I have read that kerosene is not. We have both. Any suggestions?

 

[Spiritbird]

If you loose power you pretty much will not have a heat source. The only thing that may save you is to have a generator that is outside to power the inside of the home. Scary I know.

 

[triordan]

do you u have a fireplace?

 

[SharonC]

A propane heater is safe. A wood burning fireplace is safe, if using untreated wood, and the flu is open.

 

[mombeanie]

Thank you for the replies. We do not have a fireplace and I doubt we would be able to find a generator since those types of things, as well as fuel heaters, fly off the shelves quickly with a hint of bad weather. Not sure I would know how to hook one up anyway. . I will look into purchasing one in the future though. We do have a small propane heater so hopefully, birds, dogs, my daughter and I will be fine. Thank you again.

 

[mombeanie]

If I use the propane, do I need to crack a window or would I be risking a draft on the birds?

 

[SharonC]

I think it should be fine, without windows open, as long as it's in good working order. I think the danger with these fuel fired heaters is carbon monoxide...I could be wrong, though. I'd contact the manufacturer to rule out risk....

 

[Spiritbird]

This seems to have some good information. Pay special attention to the section on carbon monixide. Some articles say propane heaters are safe for birds and others say they are not. Looks like another good question we usually get this time of year.

Household Safety