Heated perches?

[josiesmom]

Hi,
Does anyone have any feedback on whether or not a heated perch is a good idea for a macaw? We live in Northeast PA and the weather is starting to get chilly here. I don't want Josie to get a chill and was considering getting her a heated perch. Of course, the house is heated but I'm still worried. Any thoughts?
Thank you.

 

[JJones1719]

I live in MD and here too, it's getting colder outside. I have never had my boys on a heated perch before. I keep my home at 74 year round and have never had an issue. I would advise against it specially if your Macaw is a chewer like my GW. I am kinda scared that one bite into the heated perch and I will have a cooked Macaw. Thanks Joe

 

[Alwese]

I want to show you a picture of an event that happened with my macaw Doogie several years ago. My three macaws share space in our laundry room and are outside the cages most of the day. Doogie took a liking to chew on the power cord for the dryer stripping the insulation away from the wires until one power side touched the ground wire and knocked the 30 AMP breaker. Apparently their beak is not very conductive as I can bet he would otherwise have been shocked and killed in the process with as much insulation as was missing. I can bet instances like this are why some macaws never reach 100. Needless to say I armored every possible place they could reach any wiring in that room. Click on thumbnail to enlarge picture for closer view.

 

[wenz2712]

I know nothing about these heated perches as they are not something you can buy here in the UK! but I think, even if they were available to buy, I would not take the risk.

 

[josiesmom]

Thank you very much for the input. I'm very glad I asked before I shopped. It did not occur to me that something that can harm our babies would be sold by reputable pet stores. Thank you for the eye opener. I'm very happy that your guy was ok after all that chewing.

 

[luv4scjjt]

My opinion is that heat perches are a real bad idea. Those beaks are way to strong and curious. I wouldn't think it is worth the risk. If you are worried about keeping your baby clean try using heat lamps above the cage. i live in upstate ny and thats what i use on our real cold days. Nights i use ceramic heat lamp. For the day time there is whats called a murcury vapor bulb for reptiles. It gives of heat and uvb sunlight.