Extreme warning --- be aware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[finchandlovebird]

Cleaning cages today; as I took down the weekend feeder to empty the basket & fill it up, I was AGAHST to see the basket portion was melted
I had it hanging on the cage, near, but not next to the heat lamp I give my fledglings, which they seem to appreciate.
The bulb is only a 60 watt, a purple one (intended for reptiles I believe) The heatlamp is on the outside of the cage, facing a perch they sit on.

Two facts scared the buhjeevies out of me.
#1 there could have been a fire.
#2 the fumes from the melting plastic could have killed my birds.
(this cage has my 4 blue fledglings in it)

[Tzippora]

Wow! That is good to know.

[kristofer]

finchandlovebird 60w is quite a high wattage, i used to keep monitor lizards and with 60w the basking temps used to reach around 55 degress 40cm far away from the surface area. Always be careful with halogen bulbs as they are super strong

[lovezebs]

finchandlovebird

I use regular bulbs 60w, for warmth and light. Honestly have had no problems, aside of one clear, faulty bulb that exploded (thankfully without causing any injuries).

I usually place my lights at a bit of a distance, and away from any food or water containers.

I'm glad your birdies are alright.

~Elana~