Space heater for my bird

[Eva19]

Hey guys, I am new to this community. I have a 6 months old parrotlet named Rio and he is absolutely sweet (Except for sometimes lol). I have a quick question for you guys. The winter is approaching and temperatures go below 30 degrees. I usually use a space heater in our bedroom rather than heating up the whole house (We have tried it once and the power bill went sky rocketing) Rio's sleeping cage is in another bedroom and during day he is in his day cage in the living room.

I am considering to buy a space heater that I can place near his cage during night and day time. I found this Lasko space heater on amazon for nearly 25$ with great reviews.
Here is the link : [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TKDQ5C/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza]Amazon.com - Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat - Space Heaters[/ame]

My question is, is anyone familiar with this product? Has anyone used this around their parrots? There are some great reviews on amazon saying that they use it around their birds without any issues but I felt this place would be a good thing to find out. I have also emailed the company but also want to know what you guys think.

I read that oil filled heaters are safe for birds but right now I cannot afford anything pricey or are there any other alternatives or space heaters that you suggest and something not very pricey.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Aquila]

The heating elements in most space heaters can be dangerous to birds as they contain teflon or some other coatings that emit fumes. I don't know about that one in particular, but parrots can usually acclimate to different temperatures over time, it's a sudden change that can cause issues. Even at around 65 degrees ambient temperature they're usually fine.

I'd recommend getting a thermal perch, or even a ceramic fixture and bulb that radiates heat. You can usually find them in the reptile section for a decent price. Infrared bulbs work well too and don't interfere with sleep cycles. Other than those, I make little panels for the area my bird likes to sleep out of fleece. There are happy huts and other types of things you can find online where your bird can go to be warm.

I also have a heated rock made for reptiles that I have in case of emergencies.

It's best to allow your bird to have a temperature gradient, so they don't overheat as well, which can be a bit of an issue if a space heater is too near to the cage. Also cover the cage at night to make sure there aren't any drafts.

 

[GreyNickels]

Parrots in Winter | Bird health in Winter | Winter Avian Nutrition

We have the heated perch, and it took her a week or so to try it, but now it's her sleeping perch, and she's there every night

 

[SailBoat]

Sounds like you are using electric for heating your home.

In the Great White North, we gather together at night by bring our DYH Amazon into our bedroom.

Ceramic heaters are safe and are not energy hogs. BUT, are designed to heat limited areas by using 'radiant' heat. It heats by directing it toward the source you want to heat. Aiming it into a open room is a waste of 60 - 70% of the heat energy. They do produce secondary heat by passing air around the ceramic and metal coil surfaces, but this represents only 30 - 40% of the heat energy. Think cost to operate.

Pro: Aim it at a metal desk (like in an office) and that desk surface will heat-up.
Con: Aim it at a parrot and it will likely over-heat - that's a problem!

The closer the ceramic 'radiant' heater is to the surface you wish to heat the better it will work. Get too close and the surface may burn.