Keeping your birds warm in Winter

1. Provide Heat
If cold is the problem, providing heat is the obvious solution. Heat lamps and heated perches designed specifically for birds can be purchased, and birds quickly learn to sit near or on them when they’re feeling cold.
Make sure birds can’t come in contact with the source of heat otherwise they might get burned. A popular solution to this problem is to place heated globes inside of terracotta pots—this also limits the amount of light in the aviary at night.
2. Aviary Position
Make sure the exposed faces of your aviary are positioned away from wind and rain. You should also ensure that your aviary receives direct sunlight in the morning, so that your birds can sunbathe to recover from the early-morning chill.
3. Aviary Protection
If you’re not able to position the aviary away from direct wind and rain, the next best option is to cover the aviary. A tarpaulin over the wire portions of the aviary is usually adequate, however clear plastic sheets or cafe blinds provide far better viewing of the birds.
Clear plastic has the added advantage of causing a glass-house effect, making the aviary considerably warmer. Not only does this make cold temperatures more tolerable in winter, but the extra warmth allows you to extend the breeding season into late autumn and early spring.
4. Maintain Dry Floors
If the floors of your aviary are permitted to become wet for long periods of time, health issues in your flock are inevitable. Bacteria and fungus from bird droppings and discarded food will thrive in the moist conditions and quickly transmit to your birds, especially if they like to forage on the ground for seeds and insects. If water is getting into your aviary, find out where it’s coming from and stop it straight away.
5. Diet Changes
A bird’s metabolism produces heat as it breaks down food. To take maximum advantage of this trait, feed your birds extra rich and complex foods when it’s cold. Oats, corn and sunflower seeds are all reputed to help birds cope with cold temperatures.

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