Most pet birds originate from tropical or subtropical climates, so they are sensitive to cold temperatures and drafts. Keeping your bird comfortable during winter requires attention to room temperature, humidity, and cage placement.

Maintain the room where your bird lives at a consistent temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Most birds are comfortable in the mid-seventies. Avoid placing the cage near exterior walls, single-pane windows, or doorways where cold drafts can reach the bird. Also keep the cage away from heating vents, radiators, and space heaters, as direct hot air can dry out the skin and respiratory passages and create dangerous temperature fluctuations.

A cage cover at night can help retain warmth and block drafts while also providing the dark, quiet environment birds need for proper sleep. Use a breathable fabric that allows adequate airflow, and avoid covering the cage completely if the room is already warm to prevent overheating.

Humidity drops significantly in heated homes during winter, which can cause dry skin, itchy feathers, and respiratory irritation. A room humidifier set between 40 and 60 percent relative humidity helps. Regular misting baths or a shallow water dish for bathing also keeps feathers and skin healthy in dry conditions.

For birds housed in outdoor aviaries or unheated rooms, a ceramic heat emitter or avian-safe radiant panel heater mounted outside the cage provides supplemental warmth without light that disrupts sleep cycles. Never use heat lamps with coated bulbs, as fumes can be toxic. A thermometer near the cage helps you monitor the actual temperature your bird experiences.

Watch for signs of cold stress including fluffed feathers, tucking one foot up, shivering, and lethargy. If you notice these, increase the ambient temperature and consult a veterinarian.