Pet birds in family rec room?

Question

We moved our family of birds (lovebird, cocktail, finches and budgies)

downstairs to the basement for the summer. When I open the window, the fresh breeze and sunlight shines in and they love it; The

kids are always down here too, playing video games. Plus I am on my computer here and the birds like to watch me and our tank of fish.

The basement is completely refinished. We have a dehumidifier and our bedroom is down here.

Problem. Is it safe for the birds to be down here in the winter? It is warm but still has that basement feel. Also, in the winter it is darker. There is no water leakage anywhere but it feels a little damp, even with the dehumidifier going.. If I move them upstairs in the living room they don't get as much attention. Plus, they make a horrible mess on the carpet. Down here it is tile floor.Upstairs, It is close to the kitchen. But the birds get plenty of sunlight. But no open windows. I would like to keep them down here.

But is it safe for them? Where do you keep your birds? I don't want to risk their health. I cover them up snugly at night.But still. They can't tell me they are cold. It is not cold down here but I worry about drafts.

Any advice.

Answer 1

Light,Warmth and Fresh Air are the most essential thing your birds need after Food and water.

If you are supplying all of these then you should have no problems,

Birds are quite hardy and in some cases can stand extreme temperatures

But you must provide warmth and light,in the winter months(along with food  & water)

In Winter try not to let the temperature fall below the outside temperature,(freezing).They do require a little moisture in the atmosphere.so don't make it too dry.

Then I see no problems.

Answer 2

Don't leave them in the basement for the winter, it can have an adverse effect on their feathers and health.  They need natural light during the day.  If you want to leave them in the basement, you would have to get some full spectrum lighting for them.  As for the temperature, your birds will be just fine.  Just because a birds family roots are from the jungle or some place like Australia, does not mean they can't handle cold climates.  Just be sure they are not in a draft, this is where they could get colds from, not the temperature.  I know other breeder (large one that breed all kinds of birds) that live in much colder climates and keep all of their birds outside, and the temps get down to around 30 during the day, and much colder at night.  They are all perfectly healthy.  They have protection from wind and rain, but they are subject to the temperatures.  Birds enjoy being around everyone else.  You can get a good full spectrum at Big Lots if you have one near you for about $30.  Get the floor model.  If you don't have a Big Lots, you can go to  Drs Foster and Smith. Com and buy one on line, but it will cost you more. We keep all 4 of our large birds in the living room during the day near the patio sliding doors.  At night, we put them in their sleep cages in a spare (actually "their" bedroom) room so they can get sleep that is not disturbed by the lights or the tv.  Making sure they get 9 hours of good sleep can make a big difference in behavior.  You know how you feel when you don't get enough sleep?, well birds and animals are exactly the same way.  Please read my profile.

Answer 3

The birds will be happiest where they get the most attention. Birds are social creatures, and need to feel that they are part of a loving flock.

It sounds as if the basement would be OK health-wise, although the suggestion that you get them adequate lighting is a good one.

As for the mess they make, I take the cardboard box from a major appliance such as a refrigerator, and fold it down flat. Then I put it under my birds' cages. It protects the floor and catches all messes and stray seeds. It can be vacuumed, but if it gets too far gone you can just fold it up with the messes inside, and get rid of it. They are also free! Any appliance store will be happy to supply you with all the boxes you need free of charge.

Good luck!