heating for outdoor aviary,

[calman]

I have an enclosed section in my outdoor aviary and I am looking at heating during coming winter. It is about 8ftx4ft and 8ft high.

If I have one 150W ceramic heat lamp on one corner, this would save $ on energy bill, but first, would it be enough? Secondly, birds would stay there for warm, then fly away to cold area of the aviary which would result in "sudden temp change". Would this be a problem?

I could put a 1500W oil heater in, and have turn on automatically when below 50. This would consume a big chunk of $$.

What are your solutions?

[poohbear]

I use a 100 watt panel heater strategically placed with surrounding perches so the birds can roost close to it if they want...yes it's cold away from the heat source...but it's when roosting the birds most need a higher temperature.They are no different from us when it comes to keeping warm...exercise warms us up...sitting still doesn't.

[Chichireeo]

I am in a similar situation. I am in the bay area and would like to continue allowing my bird outside time in the winter. But mine is not an outdoor aviary. I just want to wheel the flight cage outside when it is sunny.
This is my bird's first winter in the bay area.
Not sure if I need to buy a 250 watt bulb for outside. I am using avitec heat lamp. Since the lamp does not heat the air, but only objects (bird), maybe the 150 watt is enough? If I buy the 250 watt, will the bird overheat?
My cage is about 27W x 37L x 56H, and will be in a corner against the wall so only two sides of the cage is exposed to draft.
Since the air is not being heated, and I am not in the cage, I can't tell if the bird is warm enough. By the time he fluffs up or starts panting, he has already suffered!