Hi, Its getting to winter and it is FREEZING at my house and I'm just a little worried about my budgies. Its just really windy and always raining and I'm just wondering what I should do to help keep my budgies even warmer and prevent illness and stuff?

 

Georgie,

You can try covering any places that drafts can get in.

 

I'm not sure what I did with mine, but it seems that no matter how windy or wet it is, my aviary stays around the 20˚C mark.

And there is nothing special about it, its just constructed of metal sheeting and wire.

And we live around the same area.

 

I know some people that insulate theirs, but I don't see the need.

Budgies have all that feather to keep them warm, as long as they can get out of the wind.

 

If you are a little worried, then check their weight. You can always feed them a high protein treat every week to keep the fat on them ,

like hulled oats or sunflower seed.

The lady at the petstore told me it's best to have an aviary facing where the sun rises rather than where it sets. Apparently where it sets they can get a chill from the late afternoon air. Not sure if there's any truth to that but mine faces east with the back of the aviary bang up against the house brick wall so fairly protected.

 

In previous years I have got some shadecloth and hung it over at least half of the exposed part of the aviary in Winter just to help keep wind and rain out.

 

I also put in some boxes, even though I dont breed with mine. I notice my tiels sitting on the ledge of the boxes of an evening half in and half out.

 

I'm in Melbourne and averages around 4degrees overnight according to my weather station. Fingers crossed I've never lost a bird yet.

my birds have always lived outside, no insulation. the cold does not matter so much, but make sure they have an area where there are no DRAFTS that stays dry.

I have a shade thing that goes down and at night it is quite warm in my avairy

Facing the rising sun is preferable, not because of cold night air, but rather they warm up with the sun. If possible this is good. It is not possible with me, they get afternoon sun, and they love it.