Heat Lamp Safety
Certain situations call for the use of a heat lamp as an accessory for a bird cage. The right heat lamp can provide a warm and comfortable environment for many species of birds, especially during cold evenings or the winter season. You must consider specific safety precautions when using a heat lamp on a bird cage, since heat lamps used improperly can cause damage to the cage and harm to the birds within.
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Types
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The most common type of heat lamp for birds is an infrared heat lamp, because it provides warmth without putting out too much light in the process. Heat lamps come in many other shapes, sizes and forms, depending on your specific need. Other examples of heat lamp bulbs include incandescent bulbs, quartz halogen bulbs and full-spectrum neodymium bulbs.
Most heat lamps are available through pet stores and online retailers as reptile heat lamps, but you can use them for birds and other species as long as you watch the temperature changes. Reptiles and amphibians like their surroundings warmer than a bird might, and so the same lamp cannot be used for both purposes without making modifications to the size of the bulb and placement of the lamp itself.
Thermometer Use
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You need to use a thermometer in the bird cage to keep a close eye on the temperature of the environment. This is especially necessary in the first weeks after a heat lamp is installed, to ensure that the temperature remains at the right level and that the bird is comfortable. The thermometer will help you decide whether you have the right type of lamp and bulb, and the proper placement. Place the thermometer close to where the bird spends most of its time. Take care to choose a thermometer that the bird cannot break or damage.
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Lamp Placement
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Most heat lamps are adjustable in terms of placement, and you should use this to your advantage. Adjust the placement of the heat lamp until the temperature is comfortable for the bird. Monitor both the thermometer and the bird itself to make sure you have positioned the heat lamp properly. You also want to make sure that the heat lamp is located out of the bird's reach, as a curious bird may try to inspect it too closely. The heat lamp should always be placed on the outside of the cage, never inside where the bird can reach it.
Bulb Choice
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Infrared and other heat lamp bulbs are available from different manufacturers in a variety of sizes and styles. It may take some time to choose the right bulb based on your heating needs. Ask a veterinarian if you are unsure of the proper temperature for your bird. Choose a heat lamp that has a variable temperature control so that you can alter the amount of heat as needed. Overheating can be seriously harmful to a bird, so start with a smaller, lower-temperature bulb, and work your way up to larger bulbs if necessary.
Warning
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Not every bird requires heating assistance. Speak to a veterinarian about your bird's habitat before purchasing a heating lamp. Your veterinarian will be able to give you advice on the best course of action for adding heat, if the bird is not getting enough warmth from its environment.
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References
- Photo Credit Parrot image by Snezana Skundric from Fotolia.com
