Last updated on April 22nd, 2022 at 11:38 pm
When preparing to adopt a new parakeet, it’s important to consider their needs. For example, how can you keep a parakeet at a comfortable temperature? Do these birds require heat lamps or other special treatment?
Parakeets do not need a heat lamp to live, but they may be a source of comfort in cold or drafty houses. Parakeets like the warmth, and they will be comfortable in rooms where the ambient temperature is about 70℉. Heat lamps are only necessary for environments colder than this.
Why Parakeets Like Heat Lamps
Parakeets are natives of Australia, specifically areas of the outback that never get too cold.
They thrive in warm environments and need to be kept in temperature-controlled areas if they live in places that experience a winter climate.
Ideal Living Temperature for a Parakeet
The ideal living temperature for a parakeet is about 70℉.
You can generally keep your bird comfortable by adjusting your thermostat.
However, you may find that your bird is more comfortable having a local heating source like a heat lamp nearby.
Consider installing a heat lamp if your home is particularly drafty or unevenly heated.
How To Install a Heat Lamp in a Parakeet Cage
There’s one really important consideration when installing a heat lamp in a parakeet’s cage.
And that is whether the bird will have enough room to keep an appropriate distance from the heat source.
After all, you don’t want the bird to overheat, either. About 12 inches is generally a far enough distance for a bird to be comfortable.
Best Heating Devices for a Parakeet Cage
Perhaps the most effective heating device for a parakeet cage is the K&H Snuggle Up Bird Warmer (available at Amazon.com).
This electrical heater outputs a low, steady flow of heat, warming your bird so that you can enjoy a cool ambient home temperature without sacrificing your parakeet’s comfort.
The K&H Thermo-Perch (available at Amazon.com) is another excellent choice for parakeet owners. This perch heats up as the bird sits on it, providing instant comfort.
Alternatives To Heat Lamps for Keeping Parakeets Warm
Because heat lamps carry some risk, many bird owners consider alternatives before turning to a lamp.
A lamp could cause burns or fire if left on too long, while other methods are safer.
For example, just installing a blanket cover over your parakeet cage at night is a simple way to keep your bird warmer when warmth is needed.
You should also take care to place your parakeet’s cage away from windows or vents that might cause a draft.
Even if the sun from the window keeps your bird warm during the day, nighttime will be colder for your bird if it’s left near a window.
What Do You Need To Put in a Parakeet’s Cage?
You need to put several things in a parakeet’s cage, including a liner, toys, food and water bowls, and perches.
Parakeets need a bath to play in, and they enjoy having a swing for entertainment. Make sure they have a variety of toys, including chew toys.
Heating lamps are great additions, too, as discussed above.
Liner
Perhaps the most important part of preparing your parakeet’s cage is the step of adding a liner.
You’ll need to use either newspaper, paper towel, or some other disposable paper product to line the bottom of the cage and catch excrement.
Note that providing any paper with ink may lead to messy ink on the feathers, though newspaper ink is non-toxic.
Under no circumstances should you use a sandpaper lining, despite some pet stores selling it.
If a parakeet were to ingest sand picked from the sandpaper, it could cause serious problems in the digestive system.
Wood chips, wood shavings, and shredded paper should also be avoided due to the consequences of them being ingested.
Perches
Having places to perch within a cage beside the floor is crucial for a caged bird.
You want the cage to be an inviting place where the parakeet can feel at home.
And parakeets feel more at home when they have a perch up on high from which to take in the environment.
The S-Mechanic Grapevine Birdcage Perch (available at Amazon.com) is a great example of the kind of perch you need to install in your cage to make your parakeet more comfortable.
This perch is simple to install along the edge of any wire-barred cage, and it’s stable and secure once in place.
Choosing a perch like this one gives you the freedom to decide where the perch should go.
Food and Water Bowls
Whether you’re feeding your parakeet a pellet mix or fresh foods and seeds, you need a food bowl to provide food with consistency.
And a water bowl where your parakeet can always access fresh, clean water.
By providing these necessities, you’ll ensure that your parakeet is always safe and comfortable in your home.
Bird Bath
In addition to a water bowl for drinking, you may wish to install a shallow and wide birdbath in your cage where your parakeet can rinse off and take a bath.
Parakeets are known to enjoy the water, so having more access to water in their cage besides just at the water bowl can help the birds feel more at home.
Toys
The toys available for parakeets range from chew toys to logic puzzles, and each is stimulating in its way.
It’s advisable to provide your parakeet with a variety of toys to stay sharp and entertained even when it must stay within the cage.
The Katumo Bird Toys Package (available at Amazon.com) comes with a small birdhouse and six ladders, three hanging chew toys, a bell, a rotating ladder, a perch, and a swing.
The variety of toys within this set keeps your parakeet entertained so long as you install several at once.
Swing
Swings are enriching additions to any parakeet’s cage, as they provide a vantage point as a perch does. But this gives some extra stimulation from the movement.
This bird swing and perch from Sweet Feet and Beak (available at Amazon.com) is a great example.
This handmade, non-toxic swing also grinds against the parakeet’s nails while it’s gripping and swinging, gently trimming away excess growth.
You can also consider a parakeet play gym with a pre-installed swing and perch.