How to keep birds warm in a vehicle?

[HalfInsane]

I know the obvious answer is "run the heat" but I more mean in the event the car breaks down. Currently I have a box of mitten warmers that activate when you crack them LOL... which might work in a moment of desperation but probably not well.

I may need to move from central BC to Vancouver Island in February. It gets to -50C/-58F in the winter here (coldest I've experiences is -46C... it HURTS it's so cold).

It does get warmer as you go south over the course of the 12 hour drive (blah). Also, I will need to take a ferry from the mainland to the island. Pets MUST remain on the car deck. And while it's much warmer 12 hours south of here (maybe -10C/14F on a BAD day... Likely warmer) the car deck, while ventilated... is not heated.

I will have Pixel in her second, smaller cage with food and water of course... but do any of you know of any good (safe) methods I could use to heat her cage if the car is not running?

 

[gizzygirl]

Hmmmmm, no. I hope someone does! Good luck

 

[goalerjones]

Wind/moving air is the biggest culprit in chills. Eliminating that should help. The down feathers should help keep your bird warm and I'd imagine like dogs who get thicker coats in colder climates, your birds in colder temps might also get thicker down layers?

 

[goalerjones]

Here is a good article on the subject of winter and birds.
How Do Birds Stay Warm? ? Arctic and Antarctic Birds ? Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears

 

[Captsteve]

I just suggested this in another thread, go to a pharmacy and get some of the large chemical heat packs. you can put them under the carrier and cover the carrier to keep the heat in. In an emergency it will keep them safe.

 

[Mayden]

Layers! Lots of them! Keep the drafts out and keep the heat in! I also like the idea of heat packs (being out of beaks way!) and keeping the heat in that way

 

[Sambamama]

It does get warmer as you go south over the course of the 12 hour drive (blah). Also, I will need to take a ferry from the mainland to the island. Pets MUST remain on the car deck. And while it's much warmer 12 hours south of here (maybe -10C/14F on a BAD day... Likely warmer) the car deck, while ventilated... is not heated.

How long is your trip on the ferry? I know the wildlife rescue places use the hand warmers with success but for shorter trips. If you are on a ferry for more than an hour in that cold I don't know....

 

[SandyBee]

It will be warmer in February more than likely 5 degree Celsius at least. Ferry to island 2 hours max. Can you maybe get an electric blanket and car lighter adaptor.

 

[HalfInsane]

It will be warmer in February more than likely 5 degree Celsius at least. Ferry to island 2 hours max. Can you maybe get an electric blanket and car lighter adaptor.

Is it really that much warmer there in Feb?! I've been in the frigid North too long! ... more incentive to move lol

Yeah, I considered the heat packs (as I said I have a whole box of chemically activated mitten warmers... but not sure they'd do the job for 2 hours. Might have to go to the pharmacy and buy the bigger heat packs and test how long they last

The electric blanket I had not though of! ... could definitely be an option, so long as it didn't drain my car battery. That'd be a bit awkward, having to get me, a parrot, and my giant house plant towed off the ferry.

 

[SandyBee]

LOL,

Naw the ferry guys see things like that all the time, they would jump start you.
I would suggest having the electric blanket already warm when you stop your engine and using it in intervals so it doesn't drain your battery too much. All kinds of stuff out there on the market now.

And yup it is always warmer here in Febuary!!