Birds--General/heat source

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Expert: - 11/27/2006


Question
Hello. We're planning on building a metal building to keep our birds in eventually. I'd like to get some different ideas on ways to cool/heat other than central air/heat system. We're in Texas. I was considering using a swamp cooler with additional ceiling fans for the cooling. What is your opinion of this? What other suggestions of heating/cooling do you have? We don't encourage breeding so nestboxes for help with heating is out of the question. Many of our birds are housed single anyway. Suggestions?  

Answer
Hi, DKW.  Thanks for posting!

What types of parrots are you referring to here?  What are the temperature ranges in Texas where you live?  What are your plans for windows in this building?  How will you house these birds...cages, aviaries, free-flight?  What type of lighting will you use for your birds?

Nesting boxes aren't for heating...they are for laying of eggs, caring for offspring.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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