How to keep warm in winter...cool in summer outdoors

[ranasrule]

Im thinking about building a large cage outside my house to keep different kind of finches in but how do I ensure that the birds dont die from the cold or extreme heat ? Im in Pakistan so the temps in winters are around 0C and summers around 45-50C

[delray]

I don't have my birds outside, but Many people have outdoor aviaries, I'm sure someone will be on soon to help.

Welcome

[ranasrule]

anyone ?

[Snow finch]

i live in utah where the temps get really cold in the winter also and pretty hot in the summer time. I actually built a bird shed that is completely insulated and can be closed up for the bitter cold winter i also ran power out to my cage. i plug in a heater with a thermostat to keep it warm for the winter. but i know that is a little extreme i have friends who cover their cage for the winter with plastic and put heat lamps out in the flight to give them a little heat. now for the summer as long as you can have a flight that you can keep out of the direct sunlight it is usually ok for us here in utah. i know in the summer i hook up a water drip in my bird bath so when ever they are over heated they can take a splash in the bath it seems to help. i know having a flight outside there is usually a breeze helping to keep things cool as well.
it is not easy keeping birds in this kind of environment but it can be done good luck....

[GlennO]

Just a few other tips:

- Orient the cage towards the morning sun and shelter from prevailing winds.
- Have both open and enclosed sections.
- Ensure there is always a plentiful supply of fresh cool water for drinking and bathing.

And do some research. It is always easiest if the finch species that you keep outdoors naturally occur locally or at least originate from a similar climate. This will assist to minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling methods.

[ranasrule]

thanks for the great replies

[Rox]

You want to avoid damp and wind during winter. If you can close off your aviary from all drafts (I use clear plastic to close up my aviary's in winter) and ensure the floor stays dry, you should be fine. If you feel like the birds need extra heat, you can add heat lamps.

Our temps get into the late 30'C in summer and my birds cope fine with this heat. They handle the heat much better than the cold. I know some people put misters in their aviary's and you even get heat repelling paint (for roof and sides) which helps to keep the temp down in the aviary.

Hope this helps and good luck!