Bird Winter Care: Keep Parrots, Budgies & Cockatiels Warm

Q: What temperature is too cold for budgies?

Below 55°F can stress budgies; keep warmth consistent.

Q: Can parrots survive winter without heat?

Tropical parrots usually need supplemental warmth indoors to stay healthy.

Q: What can I use to keep birds warm naturally?

Thick cage covers, natural bedding, and stable room temps help keep birds cozy.

Q: Do birds need heaters in winter?

Often yes, especially tropical species or small body birds vulnerable to cold.

Q: Can winter cause respiratory infection in birds?

Yes, cold drafts and dampness may lead to infections—watch symptoms closely.

Q: How often should I cover my bird’s cage in winter?

At night and during cold drafts to trap warmth without suffocating airflow.

Q: Do birds need more food in winter?

Yes, extra calories from seeds and warm veggies help maintain body heat.

Q: Should I bathe my bird in winter?

Avoid bathing at night; mild steam therapy in the day is safer.

Q: How to keep baby birds warm in cold weather?

Use incubators or heat pads recommended by vets, and avoid drafts.

Bird Winter Care: Keep Parrots, Budgies & Cockatiels Warm

Pawgram.pet

December 10, 2025

Bird Winter Care: How to Keep Parrots, Budgies, and Cockatiels Warm

On a chilly winter evening, you notice your colorful parrot fluffing its feathers, eyes half-closed against the cold draft sneaking through the window. Your budgie huddles quietly, the usual chirps softer—a worried pet parent moment. The waggle of feathers and hesitant steps remind you how much comfort these little companions bring. At Pawgram, we understand the tender care your birds need in cold weather and offer gentle expert tips to keep them cozy, healthy, and happy through winter’s chill.

Every bird parent knows this moment:
Your budgie suddenly looks puffed up…
Your cockatiel sits quietly in one corner…
Your parrot shivers a little and tucks its head in…

And your heart whispers:
“Is my bird feeling cold? Am I doing enough?”

If you’re reading this with worry or love in your chest — you’re already a wonderful pet parent.
Birds may be small, but their hearts are gentle, emotional, and deeply sensitive to winter.

This Pawgram guide is written with love, care, and real experience — to help you protect your parrots, budgies, cockatiels, and love birds all winter long.

Why Bird Winter Care Is Important

Winter can bring sneezing, runny noses, and more serious respiratory infections to our feathered friends, especially the delicate parrots, budgies, and cockatiels. Cold drafts lower their immunity, causing stress and sometimes feather plucking as a response to discomfort. Taking action to keep them warm not only keeps their feathers bright and eyes twinkling but strengthens their defenses against winter woes.

Cold weather affects birds quickly because they lose body heat much faster than humans. Even a small temperature drop can make them uncomfortable or sick.

Here’s what winter can cause in pet birds:

Respiratory infections

Cold air can irritate their lungs, causing sneezing, runny nose, or difficulty breathing.

Shivering and low energy

Birds shiver when their tiny bodies can’t produce enough heat.

Decreased immunity

Cold winter months weaken the immune system, making birds prone to infections.

Stress and feather plucking

Birds may pluck their feathers when they feel cold, scared, or uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever seen your bird puffing up feathers and sitting silently — that’s their way of saying:
“Mom, Dad… I’m feeling cold.”

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Ideal Temperature for Parrots, Budgies & Cockatiels

Tropical parrots prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, while budgies and cockatiels, more temperate natives, can tolerate slightly cooler rooms but should not dip below 55°F. Use a safe room thermometer to check and adjust the environment. Remember, sudden dips or drafts can stress birds, even within their comfort zones.

Birds are tropical creatures. Even small drops in temperature can affect them.

Recommended Temperatures:

Budgies: 20°C to 30°C (gets cold fastest)
Cockatiels: 22°C to 28°C
Parrots (Indian Ringneck, Alexandrine, African Grey): 20°C to 27°C

Simple Way to Check:

Place your hand inside the cage for 10 seconds.
If you feel cold — your bird feels colder.

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How to Keep Indoor Birds Warm in Winter (Practical Tips)

This one confuses most pet parents. Peanuts aren’t entirely bad, but they aren’t perfectly safe either. The answer to “can dogs eat peanuts” is yes, but only plain and unsalted ones.

Move cages away from windows and air vents to prevent drafts.
Use thick, breathable cage covers at night to trap warmth but still allow airflow.
Add soft bedding and natural wood perches for cozy grip.
Maintain steady room temperature with safe heating solutions.
Consider bird-safe heating pads or lamps designed specifically for avian use.

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Safe Heating Solutions for Birds (Vet-Approved)

Infrared ceramic heaters and heating perches provide gentle warmth without drying the air. Heat panels fixed near the cage can help maintain ambient warmth. Avoid coil heaters, blowers, and gas stoves which can create dangerous hot spots or harmful fumes.

Do NOT Use:

Gas stoves
Coil heaters
Blowers
Room heaters with strong smells
Electric rods

These can cause suffocation, fumes, or fires.

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Winter Diet for Birds

Boost your bird’s winter energy with warm veggies like steamed carrots or peas, nutrient-rich seeds, millets, and sprouts. Parrots enjoy small amounts of nuts as an energy-dense treat. Always offer warm (not cold) water to aid digestion and hydration. Supplements like Vitamin A, probiotics, and immunity boosters from your vet can keep your bird’s defenses strong.

Energy-Boosting Foods

Warm vegetables (slightly steamed): carrot, broccoli, spinach
Sprouts
Millets
Seeds
Nuts (only for parrots — budgies can get only tiny amounts)

Warm Water Instead of Cold

Replace cold water with mildly warm water.

Supplements

Ask your vet about:

Vitamin A drops
Probiotics
Immunity boosters

Good nutrition = warm body = healthy bird.

Signs Your Bird Is Feeling Cold (Recognize Early)

Look for shivering, puffed-up feathers, quiet behavior, cold feet, increased sleep, or subtle runny nose. Early recognition lets you act before illness sets in and keeps your buddy’s spirits bright and active.

Your bird may be cold if they show:

Puffing up feathers
Sitting silently
Sleeping more
Cold feet
Shivering
Runny nose
Reduced activity

Is my budgie feeling cold and how do I know?
If your bird looks puffed up and inactive — they need warmth immediately

Winter Care for Specific Birds

Parrots: Need humidity, extra UV light, and a rich diet to stay vibrant.
Budgies: Smaller size makes them chill faster; extra millet and cage insulation help.
Cockatiels: Sensitive to drafts; cozy sleeping warm spots and occasional steam therapy are helpful.

Outdoor Bird Winter Care

Outdoor birds benefit from daily sunlight, sheltered cages away from harsh winds, and safe outdoor heaters when temperatures drop sharply. Always ensure heaters are bird-safe and cages dry.

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Bonded pairs share warmth naturally. Providing a nest box with extra bedding and a nutrient-rich diet keeps their bonded spirits and bodies strong during winter.

Common Winter Mistakes Bird Owners Make (Avoid These)

Using unsafe heaters causing burns or fumes.
Bathing birds at night leads to chill.
Exposing birds to sudden temperature changes.
Keeping birds in overly humid, closed rooms risking fungal infections.

Pet-Safe Recommendations

If your bird shows signs like vomiting, fever, or weakness, consult a trusted veterinarian immediately. Pawgram always encourages safe, responsible pet care for long and healthy pet lives.

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Final Thoughts

Your birds may be small, but their hearts are full of love, trust, and innocence.
Winter can be tough for them — but with your warmth, care, and gentle protection, they will stay safe, healthy, and happy.

Every time you adjust their blanket…
move their cage away from the wind…
or give them warm food…
your bird feels your love.

At Pawgram, we believe:
Pets are not just animals — they are family.
Their comfort is our responsibility.

For more loving pet tips, visit Pawgram every day.
Your pets deserve the best — and so do you.