Essential Winter Care Tips for Your Exotic Bird: 5 Must‑Do’s and Must‑Avoids

First Published March 30, 2016

Revised January 10, 2022

Parrots are from tropical regions so winter bird care is important.

Exotic birds, like parrots and cockatoos, can make wonderful pets, but that doesn’t mean they’re not high-maintenance! Because of their sensitivity to cold weather, it’s important to follow some basic precautions to ensure that your pet bird can survive the cold months. This post describes the five essential do’s and don’ts of taking care of your exotic bird during the wintertime.

DO Feed A High Quality Diet

Check out your local bird store for quality bird food. We recommend a high-quality pellet, like Harrison's, Roudybush, or Tops. You must also use a mix of fresh foods, be sure to add fruits and vegetables and other fresh plant-based foods that contain lots of beta-carotene and vitamin A. These will help keep your bird’s skin and feathers healthy while they are molting. Avoid seeds and high-fat treats. Also, be careful with very salty or sugary foods as well; these could lead to dehydration or obesity, respectively.

DO Consider Using A Humidifier

If you're living in a place where temperatures regularly dip below freezing, your bird may be at risk for developing respiratory issues like bronchitis and pneumonia. Adding a humidifier to your bird's living area can help prevent dry air and make it easier for your bird to breathe. Be sure to keep an eye on its humidity levels; if they rise too high, then consider reducing them by lowering the setting.

Additionally, you'll need to make sure that the filter is kept clean. Humidifiers can accumulate bacteria and mold if they're not properly maintained, which can pose serious health risks for your bird. Keep your humidifier clean with a daily wipe-down and follow all of its cleaning instructions precisely. Some products may require more or less frequent care; always read through any manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before use.

DO Continue Giving Bird Baths

When it’s cold out, it can be tough to keep your feathered friends clean. The good news is that a warm shower or "bowl bath" won’t harm them; bird feathers repel water. So, while you should still give them baths in the winter, make sure that you keep them away from drafts and don't let them get chilled.

That said, some types of birds enjoy bathing more than others (parrots are common bathers), so try not to assume that all birds need regular showers. In general, though, try not to bathe your exotic pet less often just because it’s colder outside; just make accommodations to keep them warm.

DO Get A Heated Perch Or Cage Heater

The safest and most secure way to keep your bird warm in colder temperatures is to invest in a small, dedicated bird heating system.  It can b a heated perch or a birdcage warming panel inside of the cage. Although not terribly expensive, these systems are helpful even if you have central heat because they help maintain a consistent internal temperature for your pet. Plus, they come in really handy to support your bird if it gets sick.

DO Get A Bird Light

Birds continue to need UVA and UVB light in colder months, so it’s important to offer them a safe bird light in the winter. Placing a light on your bird’s cage will make sure they have enough UVA and UVB to provide them with vitamin D.

Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption. It also helps with maintaining the immune system, supporting bones and muscles, and maintaining heart health.

Your bird will be molting as Spring approaches and its nutritional status needs to be in tip-top shape to grow beautiful, healthy feathers.

DON'T Use Bird Snugglies or Sleep Tents

The snugglies and sleep tents for birds are marketed to help them stay warm during harsh weather, but they can actually be more harmful than helpful. These cloth snuggies and sleep tents are made of fabrics that your bird chews on. Inevitably, he will ingest some of these fabrics or pull bits off and swallow them. Not only do you run into a potential digestive tract obstruction problem (parrot-sized kapok stuffing is no one’s idea of a good thing), it also takes him away from his natural instinct to fluff up his feathers in order to keep himself warm when it’s cold outside.

On top of that, the nest-like cavity makes you bird hormonal right before bird hormone season starts. The close confines and security offered by a sleep tent or snuggie may cause some birds to be out of sorts when it comes time for mating. The result is a particularly harsh hormone season that can cause chronic health problems.