Swamp Heaters & Space heaters for birds

[RitaS]

Hello Everyone!
Need some advise...Looks like Norman and I have to move, Again. I found a place thats seems alright but it has a Swamp Heater? Been looking it up and I can't find much info. The owner admits thats it older and that during the winter the MAX possible temp. will be 60 degrees. He suggested that I by a few space heaters. My main concern is Norman. Contrary to most peoples beliefs, it does get cold here, not 15 degrees but 30's. Do any of you use space heaters with your birds as the main source of heat in your homes? Is it Safe?
Thank YOU!!!

 

[weco]

Well, I've always been open to new things in life & a swamp heater is something new...at least to me......

Swamp coolers are units that have a large tray/pan of water that is pumped over a set of metal fins & air is blown across these fins while the water is being pumped over the fins.....the theory is evaporative cooling, basically the same way that you feel cool when a warm breeze blows across your arms/skin in hot weather.....

The only 'swamp heater' I can think of would be a large humidifier & I've been in construction for over 30 years.....

If this heater is designed like a large humidifier, the only problem I can think of would be the necessity for regular (probably weekly) cleaning and washing down with a mold/mildewcide.....

If you've taken this rental, see if you can find a manufacturer's plate with a model number on it & post it back here.....with that, we can tell you exactly what it is & if there would be any concerns.....

Once acclimated to the ambient temperature, our feathered friends can handle low temps much better than we can.....if we get chilled, we put on a sweater or jacket, in the same temp, if they feel chilled, all they need to do is puff up their feathers a little, putting some insulating air between their feathers.....actually, I don't begin to worry until I can't get indoor temps above 34 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two days.....

 

[RitaS]

Thank you Weco! If I can find the model number I'll post it.
I have not signed a lease yet. The house is very dated. No remodel from at least the 70's. I think the swamp heater is that old as well. He said he needed about 4 space heaters & an electrical blanket, when lived there years ago. Which makes me think the swamp heater may not do much at all. Do you think it's safe for the bird to only have space heaters. I know there more advanced now but they scare me especially as the only source of heat.
I went away for the night about ten years ago and my heater stopped, he was exposed to 30 degree weather for about 24 hours he ended up with pneumonia. I know it happened mainly because he was not acclimated & it was a sudden drop. So I'm a little paranoid.
The only reason I'm even considering this place is because its across the street from one of my closet friends. Thanks again for any & ALL advise!

 

[weco]

Ceramic space heaters would probably be OK, just be sure to burn them off outside for at least 15 minutes on high, to get rid of any oils left over from manufacture/assembly.....

As a standby for power failures, there's a portable propane heater product that has a tip over shutoff and has a low oxygen sensor/shut off built in...they take the slim propane bottles used for camp grills & portable torches, called Mr. Heater.....

They have several models, but the two you would want to look at are MH9BX & MH18B, the second one being the larger of the two, thus using more gas.....the only thing you have to remember is to slightly open a window in the room you would use one of these heaters (at least 3/4").....I have several of the larger models that I've used to allow drywall & paint to dry in cold weather, without freezing.....

I have had several of my birds in rooms where those heaters were in use, without any problems at all.....

There are a couple of other brands on the market, but I would not use them.....these I have used & trust around my birds.....

One other caution...if you opt for the larger heater, it will use up the small propane bottles much faster than the smaller unit & these should not be used to heat a house to 80 degrees...even though they might be able do it.....

 

[RitaS]

Something to think about. Thanks!

 

[MonicaMc]

Space/electric heaters should be fine as long as they do not contain PTFE. As mentioned, there should be a 'burn in' period before using them inside.

I have an Edenpure at my house which has worked well for me. I don't like that there isn't a temperature setting on it (per-say), but its a minor inconvenience. Some people have complained that they don't work well, but then I don't expect these things to heat up an entire house! Worked fine for me in a room or within an area it was at. They are used at work as well, my grandmother bought one and one of our Fedex drivers also bought one.


I've never heard of a swamp heater before, either, and I don't see how a swamp cooler would do you any good in Alabama, considering the water wouldn't be able to evaporate, thus wouldn't be able to provide any kind of cooling to the house...

 

[henpecked]

I've seen swamp coolers in use in the desert areas, i don't think they'll do much in the Ala humidity. For heat i've used the oil filled heaters with good results and they're pretty safe.I'm in Gulf shores for most of the summer, where are you?

 

[RitaS]

We're neighbours Henpecked! What a small world. I live in Mobile. The house has central AC but a swamp heater. I used to live in NM & yes swamp coolers are somewhat common although I never had one. Lived there for 7 years and spent a small fortune on humidifiers for Norman! He sure loves the humidity here, me not so much.
I don't think I'll be renting that house. Just stinks because it had a lot of positive things. But it's probably 1800 square feet with a very open layout. Can't imagine how many space heaters would be needed & the cost. I feel like I'll end up putting him in a bedroom most of the winter just to save money, can't do that to him again. Going to keep looking.

 

[forbey]

Not sure about swamp heaters, but what I have seen about space heaters, I would be concerned. A "normal" LP or Propane gas heater has a permanent fuel supply line which, can and should be check for leaks. Because these fuel lines seldom move he likelihood that the line fittings would leak are slim.

However, space heaters tend to have moveable fuel sources which can stress fuel lines as they are moved around. This movement increases the liklihood of a leak.

Leaking propane or LP gas can result in a birds death or illness. Needless to say, I would be hesitant to use a portable heater except in rare emergencies.

Forbey

 

[weco]

However, space heaters tend to have moveable fuel sources which can stress fuel lines as they are moved around. This movement increases the liklihood of a leak.

Leaking propane or LP gas can result in a birds death or illness. Needless to say, I would be hesitant to use a portable heater except in rare emergencies.

Forbey

Well, I've always found that before recommending a particular product, I should know that particular product, which I do in this case.....as I noted in my previous posting "There are a couple of other brands on the market, but I would not use them.....these I have used & trust around my birds....."

It might also be prudent for one to check & avail themselves of the working/properties/specifications of an item/items before deriding an idea/theory of application.....as regards the Mr Heater portable units I mentioned, neither have any fittings to come loose, nor do they have any hoses/lines that might get kinked/twisted, causing dangerous leaks.....if you don't have the propane tank screwed in properly, it won't work...if it tips over, it shuts off the gas...if it burns too much oxygen out of the room, it shuts off.....but.....there is one safety feature that was not built-in.....that of someone setting an operating heater too close to flammable objects...but then that would not be the fault of design or poor manufacturing.....

The primary reason I suggested a portable propane heater was "I went away for the night about ten years ago and my heater stopped, he was exposed to 30 degree weather for about 24 hours he ended up with pneumonia..." That might be construed as a "rare emergency."

 

[forbey]

WECO:

I apologise if my comments appeared to assault your entry.

Specificaly, my comments had nothing to do with your comments, they were general comments for persons considering emergency, or alternate, heat sources so that they could be sure to look at the fuel source, the connection of the heater to the fuel source, the applicability of the potential heat source in their scenario, possible problems that could arise and to make their decisions based on researching their options before deciding.

Properly installed heaters, furnaces and A/C units tend to be installed to address the facility in which they are installed; therefore, having to remember to take certain precautions is not normally a problem.

As indicated in your first response "the only thing you have to remember is to slightly open a window in the room you would use one of these heaters (at least 3/4")....."; however, you followed up with "One other caution...if you opt for the larger heater, it will use up the small propane bottles much faster than the smaller unit & these should not be used to heat a house to 80 degrees...even though they might be able do it..... " (Apparently, there may be more than "only one thing you have to remember". The problem is, in importing a specialty heater, what happens if you miss one, or more, of the "other cautions".

Again, the problem with makeshift solutions is there are "cautions" that need to be remembered. If the user fails to "remember" them, the situation changes and, therefore, the outcome may also change.

In addition, as a firearms safety instructor, I am well aware of the philosophy that mechanical safety devices are subject to failure. So they cannot be fully trusted. Guns come with safeties, just like "tip-proof" heaters come with safeties. What happens if the "tip-proofing" malfunctions? What if the thermostat or Oxygen sensor fails? What happens if the dogs play in the room with the heater resulting in sofa cushion propped up agains a running heater.

There is a reason why birds are used in confined space operations where the breathability of air can become dangerous, their respiratory systems are much more delicate than ours, they die before we do! Using the kitchen stove to heat your home is a no-no. The use of SOME space heaters are not recommended for residential accomodations, some are, but there are lists of "other cautions".

I, personally, have a problem potentially subjecting my one precious fid to bad food, bad water, bad air. If someone makes a recommendation I don't just accept or reject the recommendation, I do my own research until I'm satisfied with my decision.

But that is just me!

Side note: We just had a thread, recently added, where a parront was devestated because her AC failed resulting in the death of her companion.

It HAPPENS!

Forbey

 

[forbey]

Sorry for the bloviating!

I'm off the soap box.

Forbey

 

[RitaS]

Thank you all for your suggestions! The cons out weight the pros in regards to this home. I just can't be comfortable with space heaters as my main source of heat. For me it's fine, but that last illness with Norman even 10 years ago has me paranoid. The house is also priced in a high range for rental properties, seems a little ridiculous that it doesn't have a decent heating unit.
I learned a lot from all of you. I really appreciate y'all taking the time to educate me!

 

[Donald2Chatara]

However, space heaters tend to have moveable fuel sources which can stress fuel lines as they are moved around. This movement increases the liklihood of a leak.

Leaking propane or LP gas can result in a birds death or illness. Needless to say, I would be hesitant to use a portable heater except in rare emergencies.

Forbey

Well, I've always found that before recommending a particular product, I should know that particular product, which I do in this case.....as I noted in my previous posting "There are a couple of other brands on the market, but I would not use them.....these I have used & trust around my birds....."

It might also be prudent for one to check & avail themselves of the working/properties/specifications of an item/items before deriding an idea/theory of application.....as regards the Mr Heater portable units I mentioned, neither have any fittings to come loose, nor do they have any hoses/lines that might get kinked/twisted, causing dangerous leaks.....if you don't have the propane tank screwed in properly, it won't work...if it tips over, it shuts off the gas...if it burns too much oxygen out of the room, it shuts off.....but.....there is one safety feature that was not built-in.....that of someone setting an operating heater too close to flammable objects...but then that would not be the fault of design or poor manufacturing.....

The primary reason I suggested a portable propane heater was "I went away for the night about ten years ago and my heater stopped, he was exposed to 30 degree weather for about 24 hours he ended up with pneumonia..." That might be construed as a "rare emergency."

Is LPG and propane the same?

 

[SailBoat]

However, space heaters tend to have moveable fuel sources which can stress fuel lines as they are moved around. This movement increases the liklihood of a leak.

Leaking propane or LP gas can result in a birds death or illness. Needless to say, I would be hesitant to use a portable heater except in rare emergencies. Forbey

Well, I've always found that before recommending a particular product, I should know that particular product, which I do in this case.....as I noted in my previous posting "There are a couple of other brands on the market, but I would not use them.....these I have used & trust around my birds....."

It might also be prudent for one to check & avail themselves of the working/properties/specifications of an item/items before deriding an idea/theory of application.....as regards the Mr Heater portable units I mentioned, neither have any fittings to come loose, nor do they have any hoses/lines that might get kinked/twisted, causing dangerous leaks.....if you don't have the propane tank screwed in properly, it won't work...if it tips over, it shuts off the gas...if it burns too much oxygen out of the room, it shuts off.....but.....there is one safety feature that was not built-in.....that of someone setting an operating heater too close to flammable objects...but then that would not be the fault of design or poor manufacturing.....

The primary reason I suggested a portable propane heater was "I went away for the night about ten years ago and my heater stopped, he was exposed to 30 degree weather for about 24 hours he ended up with pneumonia..." That might be construed as a "rare emergency."

Is LPG and propane the same?

The simple answer is YES.

 

[Anita1250]

I may be an overly cautious parront, but I usually look into housing with my bird in mind first. I own a house that is way too far from our jobs, so we rent an apartment close by. When I was looking at my last rental, my MIL said to me " you can do better than that rent ". Yes, but this apartment allows me to control the heat and A/C myself. That is a no brainer for anyone who lives with a parrot.

Luckily, retirement is right around the corner, so we can move into our house. That has been renovated with the bird in mind. As a matter of fact, he has his own room to sleep in!