Amazons In Winter

Mike72

Regular Member
Registered
Hi all

Just said a quick hello in the newbie area. Hope this is in the right section. Back into amazons after some years and im just wondering about over wintering birds. Ive recently acquired a pair of BF's but this time around it will be an outdoor set up with large flights..they are currently pretty snug in an insulated shed and doing well, that said winter has been pretty mild. they came from an aviary which had an inside area but not heated and I was informed that they didnt need it and were hardy birds from birth 4 years ago... Im led to believe that amazons can tolerate cold conditions to a point once acclimatized? providing heating is not a problem but I just want to get my ducks in a row in terms of heating, size of aviary's, position, expense etc. any help much appreciated.:):budgie:
 
Hi Mike, if the birds are climatized and have a facility that will not go below 2 degrees and is free from rain , snow, frost and draft and the birds are healthy you should have no problems, but we do not know just how cold it may get so its always a good thing to have some type of safe heating available. the best advice regarding amazons I will tag @Parrot797 for his advice as he is a specialized breeder and has a great knowledge
 
Hi Mike, if the birds are climatized and have a facility that will not go below 2 degrees and is free from rain , snow, frost and draft and the birds are healthy you should have no problems, but we do not know just how cold it may get so its always a good thing to have some type of safe heating available. the best advice regarding amazons I will tag @Parrot797 for his advice as he is a specialized breeder and has a great knowledge

ok many thanks... little red flag went up for me on no heating at all so I said id ask.. this is a 7 x5x5 area in shed with more toys added since pic.. was a nice shed for them cozy and had power to it already..bf.jpg
 
with the current weather changes I just do not trust that there is no chance of a very cold winter, it should stay warm enough for them but I hate taking risks, you could provide a nest box for them to go in and this should keep them warm just from there own body heat.
 
with the current weather changes I just do not trust that there is no chance of a very cold winter, it should stay warm enough for them but I hate taking risks, you could provide a nest box for them to go in and this should keep them warm just from there own body heat.

Yes will make a box tomorrow thanks. Have a heater on a thermostat out there at the moment.. One of little rad types so not blowing air all over the place. I'm starting to remember all the work that goes into birds :lol:
 
Lovely pair of blue fronts by the way. I have a small electric heater and light in the shed my African greys use to roost in - just to keep the frost off and give them enough daylight hours (12) to feed. Both were inexpensive and are cheap to run. They also get more fatty items in the coldest months - nuts, hemp and so on.
 
Lovely pair of blue fronts by the way. I have a small electric heater and light in the shed my African greys use to roost in - just to keep the frost off and give them enough daylight hours (12) to feed. Both were inexpensive and are cheap to run. They also get more fatty items in the coldest months - nuts, hemp and so on.

Thank you...is their a particular light you like to use? im using a bright energy saving bulb nothing special.
 
I am trying to think what light we had in our spare bedroom when we had a large aviary in there, I know it was a tube like fluorescent. And it was on a timer with dimmer switch so came on slowly for so long until it brightened up and then the reverse when it was time for it to go out, it worked well. I'll ask hubby - he 'may' remember!
 
Thank you Diana regarding Ultra Light and skin cancer, a subject I have looked into well, and I think it should become a pinned subject
 
Ok my use of lamps are slightly restricted so I have to turn them off when I am with the birds, although they pose very little danger along with the natural sun light they do not help me even with slight exposure as every little may count. Ok even I have to get some sunlight for the same reasons as my flock. in my last place I had the long tube type with a very low ceiling plus some full spectrum lights on the walls than I found so relaxing as it was like being out doors when I was indoors. I have to be so careful as mine was a aggressive skin cancer and I know my body has no immune system that can keep it under control. I will always follow the surgeons advice and I advice any one to do the same as there are many forms of skin cancer. it is very important that I am not exposed to a lot of day time as even during the winter months and cloudy days I have to try to keep covered up. I would hate to see anyone go through what I have had to over the last few months.
 
I just use a standard tube - it's tiny, about 20 Watts I think, so it provides enough light to feed in the morning and evening during the darkest months. Obviously the shed has a decent-sized window and if the birds were inside a lot I'd use a full-spectrum, but this isn't necessary given they spend most of their time in the flights.
 
Unlike most cancers I have to be carful even behind glass like when I am driving using good sun cream a good brimmed hat and when I get a new nose a good set of sun glasses are a must for me.
 
They will NOT need heat until it gets to minus temperatures if kept in a shed,the biggest problems with giving any heat is that it is always needed then in winter and then you need a generator for power cuts (these tend to happen in the coldest times in winter).
 
All of mine were OK at a temperature of minus 15c for short periods.

Hi thanks for info... they pretty hardy then!!! shed they in is a strong, timber made one with 35mm HD insulation. If temps outside were -5 I reckon it would be above freezing inside. will test with an in/out thermometer.
 
My amazons and greys have been outside for last 3 years all been good coldest we have had was -8 as long as no drafts and winds they be ok all my greys are handreared pets one is plucked and my amazons are parentreared all doing fine
 
Back
Top Bottom