Planning for possible electric and gas outage

[Littleredbeak]

For this coming winter I am trying to prepare for the possible electric and gas outages for extended periods of time. Does anyone have suggestions for keeping birds warm?

 

[Scott]

Losing both sources of energy a tough proposition! Will you experience uncomfortable or potentially lethal cold temperatures? Are your birds housed in cages or expansive aviaries?

Ideal but costly solution is external electrical generator capable of partial or complete powering of your home. You could use portable oil-filled radiators and place at appropriate distances from birds.

Heavily insulated cage coverings may help to a degree, but avians generate little warmth to be preserved with insulation. Some products use chemical reaction inside plastic or glass enclosures to generate warmth for several hours, may be problematic if fumes or liquid escapes.

Obvious solution of wood burning fireplaces untenable with release of deadly fumes. Heat water-filled chambers with outdoor stove or BBQ, then place near birds to disperse warmth? Quite a predicament, hope our members in cold climates share creative solutions!

 

[SailBoat]

Good for you for considering the ever increasing likelihood for year around power failure.

It all comes down to money and just how skilled you are with minor to major DYI projects. If you are really not comfortable with working with 240V AC and/or Natural or Propane Gas there are Vendors who can set-up a full supplement Power system that will auto turn-on when the power goes out.

We use a supplement portable Generator that supplies our full home /or our cabin with electrical power. Our downside is length of downtime. We are set-up for three to four days without power.

So, what level do you want to discuss?

 

[Littleredbeak]

I've been without power for a couple of hours max (since having birds) and once for 3 weeks ( years ago and we had a fireplace then and no birds). After seeing what happen in Texas and hearing about possible grid shutdowns I want to be prepared. I have started looking at wood burning stoves (with an exhaust system to take the smoke out a window) and a propane heater (not sure how to prevent the fumes here). Everyone are inside birds and they all currently have a heat source all year around (heated perch or area). In the past I've put heavy blankets over their cage but that was only for a couple of hours.


If anyone has ideas how to provide heat for an extended period of time without gas or electric in an indoor setting - I'd really appreciate hearing your ideas or how you yourselves prepare.

 

[Emeral]

Hello

If extended period of time is not very long, this heat pack keep warm without any heating needed. It is activated when you open the package or peal off the seal.

You can place them away on the otherside of the insulation to prevent birds nipping at them. And hence, creating a warm corner that bird can move close to or away from to adjust for comfortable temperature by itself.

Some normal size pack stays warm for up to 20 hours, while the minis only up to 10 hours.

https://matcha-jp.com/en/5325

Advance preparation is always a good idea

Best of luck

 

[Littleredbeak]

Hello

If extended period of time is not very long, this heat pack keep warm without any heating needed. It is activated when you open the package or peal off the seal.

You can place them away on the otherside of the insulation to prevent birds nipping at them. And hence, creating a warm corner that bird can move close to or away from to adjust for comfortable temperature by itself.

Some normal size pack stays warm for up to 20 hours, while the minis only up to 10 hours.

https://matcha-jp.com/en/5325

Advance preparation is always a good idea

Best of luck

Yes! Love those handy hand warmers!

 

[SailBoat]

Sad Reality is that the Power failures are on the increase across North America and the modern home-hold is not geared to being without power for more than a few hours. Refrigerators and the complete loss of what is in them is a costly event. Most individuals cannot be without internet connection or at least Mobile Phone service for more than a few hours.

Long story short, most natural gas or propane heated homes have can support heating the home with little electrical support. That said, most Portable Generators can be purchased or converted to run on one or the other (at your home) sources for continues electrical power.

Do it right the first time places the true cost upfront. Doing it patchwork can easily result in the death of your Parrots, other Pets in the home and People! The end result is the pain of the loss and the cost of the short term fix and the full cost of doing it right later.

Power outages are on the raise as is the length of time the Power is out! Over and Out!