As winter approaches, many pet bird owners begin to worry about how the cold weather will affect their feathered friends. If you are one of them, this ‘K&H Bird Cage Warmer Review’ might come in just handy!
While it’s true that birds are more susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses during the winter months, there are steps we can take to minimize the risks.
This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are great!
Why? Because by purchasing through these links you to contribute to the growth of this website at no cost to you. Basically, you are helping me grow this blog so I can continue help people like you and me become even more awesome!
For more information please see Affiliate Disclosure.
Disclaimer: I am not a parrot expert, therefore the information in this site represents my opinion based on my experience. Please do not make decisions based solely on my articles. It helps to do further research.
Can birds get sick from being too cold?
Here’s what you need to know about the negative effects of winter cold on pet birds.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a real danger for pet birds during the winter months.
Birds are especially susceptible to this illness when they’re exposed to cold temperatures, as the cold can weaken their immune systems and make them more vulnerable to infection.
If your bird is showing any signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to take him to the vet immediately.
Frostbite
Another danger of exposure to cold temperatures is frostbite.
This can occur when a bird’s extremities (feet, legs, beak, etc.) are exposed to freezing temperatures for an extended period of time. Frostbite can lead to amputation or even death in severe cases, so it’s important to make sure your bird has a warm place to perch and is not left outside in the cold for long periods of time.
Hypothermia
Birds are also at risk of hypothermia during the winter months.
Hypothermia occurs when a bird’s body temperature drops below normal and is unable to generate enough heat to warm itself back up again. Some signs of hypothermia in birds include lethargy, weakness, and incoordination.
If you think your bird may be suffering from hypothermia, wrap him in a warm towel and take him to the vet immediately.
While the above are illnesses caused by longer exposure to low temperatures, our feathered friends can get uncomfortable and cold inside of our house during the winter period as well.
Remember, they do not have an extra sweater to put on, nor do they make themselves another tea when their feet get cold. We, as their human flock, are the ones to understand the signs of cold displayed and take action upon them.
How do I make my bird feel warm?
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, you may notice your pet bird acting a bit differently. Maybe he is not as active as usual or he is fluffed up more than normal.
These are all signs that your pet bird is feeling the chill and is starting to feel uncomfortable. Here are a few things you can do to help your pet bird stay comfortable and warm during winter.
1. Make sure your bird has a warm place to sleep.
This means that the cage should be in a room that doesn’t get too cold at night. You may also want to consider covering the cage at night to help keep in the warmth.
2. Give your bird some extra time in the cage during the day to rest and recuperate from the cold weather.
3. Make sure your bird has plenty of fresh water to drink.
In the winter, birds tend to drink less water so it’s important to make sure they have easy access to water at all times.
Bird Cage Warmer
There are many benefits of using a bird cage warmer.
A bird cage warmer will help to keep your bird’s cage at a consistent temperature, which will keep your bird healthy and happy.
Another benefit of using a bird cage warmer is that it saves you money.
Heating your home can be expensive, especially if you have a large home or live in a cold climate. Using a bird cage warmer can save money on your heating bill because you will not have to heat your entire home to keep your bird warm and well taken care of.
Additionally, if you use a space heater to keep your bird warm, you run the risk of starting a fire. A bird cage warmer is much safer and will not put your family at risk.
K&H Bird Cage Warmer Review
K&H bird warmer is the perfect solution for any pet owner with a feathered flock.
It will protect your favorite pet birds from drafts, UV rays, and air conditioning alike! The thermostatically controlled device keeps their bodies at an optimum temperature.
The bird warmer will keep your feathered friend warm and happy. It’s safe and it doesn’t use high-voltage electricity.
Material: Coated metal that resists bites and scratches
Size: Available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large
Weight: About 535 grams for Small/Medium and 700 grams for Medium/Large version
Suitable for: Small to large parrots
Quality vs price: 7.5 out of 10
Recommended: Yes, assuming it is not a faulty sample
Pro’s |
---|
1. Gets warm and not too hot |
2. Warm spot for your bird to snuggle against at night or after a bath |
3. Warms up only a small area of the cage |
4. Thermostatically controlled |
5. Can be on 24/7 |
6. Easy to disconnect and move the cage around |
Con’s |
---|
1. The electric cable is not protected |
2. Plugs get damaged |
3. Do not warm up sufficiently |
4. Might take time for the birds to get used to it |
5. Needs to be plugged-in to function |
6. Too expensive |
Reasons to buy K&H Bird Cage Warmer
Gets warm and not too hot
The bird cage warmer is thermostatically controlled. It heats up just sufficiently to match the bird’s body temperature and it is ideal to snuggle against.
There is no on/off function nor can you adjust the temperature of the device.
Warm spot for your bird to snuggle against at night or after a bath
I think every bird owner has experienced their bird(s) snuggling up into their hair, against their necks, into a warm hand, or under a sweater.
This bird heater is the perfect imitation of that exact warm spot. Except, in this case, the heater is placed in the cage and is available during the whole night or day, and even after a bird bath.
Warms up only a small area of the cage
Heating up your bird at night should not cost you your whole salary!
Because it uses little electricity and warms up locally, it is cost-efficient and takes care of the family’s budget.
Thermostatically controlled
No need to worry about the product getting too hot overnight for the bird as it has a stable temperature, just perfect for your bird.
Can be on 24/7
The product is designed to safely be left on 24/7. This product has been certified by MET labs to adhere strictly to electrical safety standards.
Easy to disconnect and move the cage around
The device comes with a quick-disconnect feature (the cord detaches from the plug) which allows moving the cage around without worrying about cables or needing to detach the device from the cage.
Reasons not to buy K&H Bird Cage Warmer
The electric cable is not protected
There have been reported complaints regarding birds chewing on the cables (that are on the outside of the cage). The cables do not have plastic coverage to protect them from chewing.
The advice on the K&H website in this regard is as follows: ‘If you are concerned about your birds biting through the electric cord while outside the cage, we recommend running it through PVC pipe for added protection.’
Plugs get damaged
There have been complaints regarding the plugs getting damaged too quickly. The device does not come with an extra plug. However, replacements are available on the manufacturer’s website.
Do not warm up sufficiently
Some buyers have reported that the heater does not warm up sufficiently. It is claimed that they get lukewarm, which is not sufficient for a bird to warm up. That in turn makes the bird lose interest in the device and the device itself not meeting expectations.
Might take time for the birds to get used to it
As with anything, some birds need to ”‘warm up” to new things in their lives. It can be in relation to a new toy, a new perch, or a new bird warmer. It is advisable to give your bird sufficient time to get used to its new heater.
Needs to be plugged-in to function
In order for the warmer to function it needs to be plugged in. Some people do not appreciate having devices plugged in overnight, especially when they cannot keep an eye on them. However, as claimed by K&H, the warmer has been certified by MET labs to adhere strictly to electrical safety standards.
Too expensive
Some buyers have expressed discontent with the price versus the quality of the product, especially if they have encountered any or several of the drawbacks outlined above. However, other buyers report their birds being happy with their new heater and loving to snuggle against it.
Conclusion:
A bird cage warmer is a great investment for any bird owner. Not only will it keep your bird healthy and save you money, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that your bird is safe and warm during the cold winter months.
While some complaints have been reported on the K&H Bird Cage Warmer, there are also many happy beaks that enjoy their heaters.
In the end, it is up to you as a bird owner and up to your feathered friend to decide whether this is a suitable product for your household.
To all the Parrot Lovers,
Tatiana
Founder of Best Parrot Toys
Hi Tatiana,
I enjoyed reading your article. I am not a bird owner but I do have other pets. I found your article rather interesting because I was not aware of the difficulties birds can experience in the winter. My sister does have a bird and I am going to share this article with her. I am not sure if she lets her bird outside at all, but I will feel better knowing she is aware of these important facts about birds. Thank you for such an informative article and product recommendation.
Dear Chas,
Thank you for your comment and for your kind words.
I feel obliged to share my knowledge and my learnings with my bird community. I am happy to hear that you have found my article helpful and that you will share it with your sister. Let us make sure all birds have a happy winter!
Cheers,
Tatiana
Great review! I didn’t even know that birds get cold like us in winter and can get pneumonia etc… It makes so much sense to get a bird cage warmer. It is excellent that it is thermostatically controlled and that it does not get too hot. That would be my concern that the bird gets hurt! This is a wonderful object to get especially for the bird to be able to warm up after its bath. I love to snuggle in my PJs and warm blanket after my bath too! I understand! Thank you for all this information!
Dear Anne-Caroline,
Thank you for your comment and warm words.
To be fair, taking care of birds is not always easy, I feel like I learn new things every day. Lucky that now I have my blog where I get to share my own experience but also do additional research on topics that I am not very familiar with. The cage warmer makes indeed so much sense, as I see how my bird is always looking for warm spots to snuggle against, be it in my hands or against my neck or just in front of the heater. That is why I am recommending this product 🙂
All the best,
Tatiana
Hey,
This is such an important article. We have a parrot and every year we do our best to keep him warm.
My friend is a huge bird lover too so I am going to share this article with him and his wife as they would find this very hepful.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Hi Tom and thank you so much for your thoughts.
It is always amazing to connect with fellow bird owners and share experiences.
I am curious, what are your tips for keeping your parrot warm?
Thank you as well for sharing my article with your friends, hopefully they and you find it very useful 🙂
All the best,
Tatiana
For someone who’s not an expert, this is a very detailed article. It is interesting to know that birds can get sick. I mean, it is logical, they are also living beings, but since many of us don’t have that much direct contact with them, we never think about that.
This all sounds like sience to me. There are so many details and things that would never come up to my mind. I’ll share this article with one of my friends who has a bird at home. I’m sure he’ll love it.
Dear Alisa,
Thank you so much for your comment.
Indeed, there are so many things to learn when it comes to taking care of our pet birds. I mean, they cannot literally tell us what they want and what they need.
I am now owning a bird for the past 3 years and I feel like there is still so much I need to learn about him. Additionally, each bird is different, with different personality traits. It is amazing to get to know such a little creature and watch it grow 🙂
Thank you for sharing my article with your friend.
All the best,
Tatiana