Florida winters and cold sensitive birds...

[Jon]

Will cold-sensitive birds fair OK in the middle of Floridian winters (As low as 30, avg. 36-50) so long as they have access to a heat source? My aviary is 8Lx7Hx3W, and for heating I have a couple 150 watt heat lamps ready for cold weather. I had a pair of gold-breasted waxbills fair fine with only a single 75 watt heat lamp earlier this year, but I'm planning on buying more sensitive birds. (i.e. cordon bleus, firefinches, st. helenas, etc)

[wellingtoncdm]

I have raised cordons outside in palm beach county. I use tarps on three sides of all cages and aviaries leaving the south side open. On cold nights I cover that as well. I've also had great success with red heat lamps. It's the wind and wet that bit her them more than just the cold. If they're protected they should do OK. The cordons also slept in wicker nests which helped.

[cindy]

We have had some winters that get down into the 20's at night. Like Charlie suggested...tarps and a heat source. A few ceramic heat lamps placed in a few different places. You need a wind and chilly rain barrier.

If you get new birds now I would house them indoors unless they are use to being outdoors. Best to acclimate them by placing them outdoors in the warmer part of Spring.