FINCHforum

Posted: **Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:43 am**

I had just purchased one of those Infrared bulbs for the Finch cage a couple weeks ago and I have recently been leaving it on during the night now too since we have had a lot of below zero weather.

They sit under it each night but the last few nights my 2 Zebra's have been waking up and singing about 3 or 4 AM!!

At first I thought maybe something spooked them because we do have occasional carpenter ants and boxelder bugs running around but I don't see anything in their cages and once they start they will wake up or at least make noise every 20 minutes or so.

I don't want them to get sleep deprived (or us for that matter!) and I was wondering if anybody else has this strange problem? The switch has a dimmer on it and I put it on about halfway so the light is not too bright. But could this red light be disturbing them anyway? The Finches never wake up if it is totally dark (other than the night light in the wall by their cage).

I wonder If I should consider getting a Ceramic heat bulb that does not emit any light at all.

Posted: **Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:37 am**

I have no idea if the finches are waking up due to the bulb or not. I was just going to say that I'm a big fan of the ceramic heat bulbs. I think, in general, they usually last longer than the standard "heat bulbs".

Posted: **Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:01 pm**

I have 2 red lights in my bird room at all times and NOT a peep outa anybody, its never bothered anyone, I like the light as if something doe sstartle them they can see enough NOT to fly into a cage during a wild scared takeoff,

if adjustable I would just turn it down a little more,

Posted: **Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:49 pm**

Fancie Flight.....thanks for your input....it makes me wonder if there is something else that is disturbing them....I will leave the light off tonight and then try again tomorrow night and see if I get the same 3am wake up call.

Posted: **Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:09 am**

Let us know how it goes, Im curious now as to why your fids are awakening at an odd hour,

Posted: **Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:25 am**

This is a real puzzle....this morning they were making noise AGAIN around 3:30am with the light on. I am going to leave it off the next couple nights.

Posted: **Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:56 pm**

Is i tpossible maybe a mouse has moved in for the good grub>> Nasty thought I know but they can get anywhere I swear, Do ya by chance have a web camera ya can set up?? Mine is infrared so i can see in the dark>>>

The mystery continues indeed, hey is there a neighbor who possibly leaves for work at that hour and the headlights hit in the birds room for a moment???

Posted: **Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:31 pm**

You know my Hubby has one of those "Critter Cams" I should try that. He has been using it in the barn to see what comes around during the night....mostly raccoons and tom cats..so far!

Posted: **Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:12 am**

Nice to see another Minnesotan here. What kind of finches you keep?

Posted: **Wed Feb 20, 2008 4:16 am**

I would try using that lord knows what ya night learn. lol

Posted: **Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:24 am**

EelNoob.....you live in this frozen wasteland too?

I am fairly new to finches....I have 2 male Zebras....and a Lady Gouldian pair. I am waiting for some Owl Finches from a nearby finch breeder that will be ready in a few weeks. I have to wait for them to get done raising their clutch. The Owls are the ones I want to breed....I just love the way they look...such cuties!

I am really getting tired of this -20 stuff....let's leave and go visit some of the other Finch owners in the warmer states...lol!

Good thing we at least have our birdies to make us feel like we are in a warm tropical climate.

I forgot to turn off the heat lamp last night but the Finches didn't give me the 3am wake up call....but they were ready to go by 4:30 today! (Hubby and I get up at 4am during the work week)

I wonder if it is the full moon or something like that...the Zebras sure seem extra hyper lately!

Posted: **Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:15 pm**

thats so odd about your birds. maybe they are just night owls, lol

I would DIE in 20 degree weather, I think anything under 70 is freezing, lol I am a wimp, lol

Posted: **Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:15 pm**

FF....oh you get used to it....it isn't so bad once your skin freezes then you don't feel a thing.....they say Minnesotians have the longest life span of all the states.

That's because we are well "preserved" by the cold!

Posted: **Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:18 am**

Im cold just thinking about it, lol but hey long live you cold folks, lol

Posted: **Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:57 am**

FF...what is your average time in washington right now...nice I bet!

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Sleepless In Minnesota

Sleepless In Minnesota