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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Temperatures are dropping here and are supposed to stay frigid for most of next week. I am worrying about the wellfare of my doves.
My doves are in an unheated wooden shed. It is lightly insulated, but there are a lot of places air can get in. I have sealed a lot of it, but things happened and I did not get it completed. Anyway, I have my doves in cages inside the building, and the cages are mostly covered with very heavy cloth (bed comforters). On very cold days, the interior of the building stays about 5-6 degrees warmer than outside temperatures, and it is a couple of degrees warmer than that inside the cages. Since it has gotten really cold I have added a heat bulb between the 2 cages. The heat section is covered so that most of the heat generated gets trapped and funneled to the cages. This helps to raise the temperatures a few more degrees. A magician friend of mine says he brings his doves in when the temp drops below 20 degrees. Of course he lives in a warmer area that me, so it doesn't happen very often. My doves have been fine thus far, but I am growing concerned because of the forecast I am hearing. They are in a place where the temperature should stay at least 10 degrees warmer than outside. In other words, if it is 15 degrees outside I am confident it will be at least 25 degrees in the cages. Here is what I would like some advice on: How cold should it be before I should bring them in? It got to 10 last night, which meant the bird's cages were around 20 degrees. How much lower should I go without risking the birds safety? I fear that bringing them in and out could cause them to get sick from going back and forth between cold and warm temperatures. Also, indoors for long periods is not an option because of family allergies and asthma problems. I have gotten much great advice on this matter from some of you experienced dove workers before, but it was during the early phases of my planning for the doves. At that time I was uncertain of where/how I would house my doves. Now that I know the specifics of the housing and temperatures they are going to be subjected to it may be easier for you all to advice me. I certainly appreciate your help. and I know my little feathered friends will too! Regan
Mister Mystery
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1906Alpha1906 Special user North Cacky Lack 516 Posts |
Regan, since we are in the same area of coldness, I can advise you to get an electric space heater. I use one every winter in the outdoors shed (dove house). It stays between 55 - 65 degress in there all the time because of it during the winter months. last night we got down to 15 degrees, and when I went out to the outdoor house to check on the doves, it was like walking into the house. It was warm in there, and the doves were excited to see me for their feeding. I use a floor electric space heater because heat rises, so it warms the entire area. DO NOT USE KEROSENE HEATERS, EVER! only electric. Kerosene will ignite in a minute if a small mouse gets into it trying to warm up too. Oh yes, and any warm area will bring the unwanted friends too, so just be prepared for that. - Free food, water, and warmth is invite for many mice! *smile*
hope that helps... -Alpha |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Regan, Alpha's advice is good, however, in the meantime, I wouldn't worry too much about the temperature. The important this is to be sure there are no drafts on the birds. Doves can withstand subzero weather. I currently have mine in the garage which is not insulated and not sealed well around the doors. The temps here go below zero quite often in the winter and the birds do just fine. You'll see them sitting on the feet to use body heat to keep them warm. They may fluff up a bit as well.
Where the magic begins
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
Put a tin can over an 100 watt light bulb in the cage, best if inserted through the bottom. The can will distribute heat.
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thank you all so much.
Thomas, I may take your advice, but right now I am caught in a bad situation. So far the doves have been fine, and freezing water is the only problem. The inside temps are going lower than I thought they would though, so I got worried when I heard about the cold front coming trough. Dave, you had told me not to worry in the past, and that is what really convinced me to get doves. Thanks for reassuring me yet again. The building is not draft proof, but there is no drafts whatsoever that can get directly to the doves. I plan on sealing the building better when I can get time, so that may help to raise the inside temps a little more in the winter time too. Bill, I have a metal reflector around the heat bulb. It is one of those red colored heat bulbs. I think it is mostly used for reptiles. It is not supposed to disturb sleep, but I wonder? What do you guys think about that? Could the red light be a problem for a breeding pair? Regan
Mister Mystery
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Regan, I don't think the color of the bulb is of any concern. As long as it emits heat, the purpose is served. The purpose of the tin can is to reflect that heat.
If it makes you feel any better about the cold, the temperature in my yard last night was -15. It was a little below zero in my garage and the only problem was freezing water. The birds did fine.
Where the magic begins
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Dave, that does make me feel better! It has been getting down to 6 above here, but inside the building is around 10 degrees higher. The water freezing is a problem. I have been checking mine a couple of times per day. I try to make sure that they all drink when I give them fresh water, but it seems they will only drink a small amount, and sometimes none at all. I know they won't have long to drink more because the water will re-freeze soon enough. Is this normal? Do they only drink a small amount, or do they usually drink small amounts several times per day? How many times do you recommend that I switch their frozen water each day?
Mister Mystery
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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Regan,
They will seem less willing to drink. They are like horses; all you can do is offer them water. But you also can't afford not to. Keep it up. My doves even have some eggs that I'm sure will never hatch. It is in the 20s here today. The horse water toughs froze solid. So we had to turn the horses out to the lake pasture for water. Geoff Williams is our guest here at the ranch now. He is from Minnesota and expected warmer weather here in Alabama. Surprise! Down here, even this time of the year, you can often hunt in a short sleeved shirt. This week we even have to wear shoes! We're sorry, Geoff. It's a good week for fireside magic. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Regan, assuming your birds have had water each day and are not overly thirsty, they will only drink a small amount of water at each visit. I don't know if I ever told you this but birds drink through their beak. It is like a straw. They dip their heads into the water to cover the beak and "inhale". It only takes a few drops to quench their thirst.
I give my birds about 1/2 cup of water in the morning. If I left it alone and didn't change it (I don't do this btw) it would take two birds about 2 days to drink it all. I work all day so their is noone at home to change the water so I give them a fresh supply in the morning and change it when I get home at night. Now that it's really cold, I make sure I follow that schedule. Most of the freezing occurs overnight and since doves go to sleep in the dark, it isn't a real problem. You just need to watch the water and change it whenever you can if it's frozen. The doves won't be harmed if they can't drink for several hours or even all day. When you give them fresh water, if they are thirsty, they will drink.
Where the magic begins
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks Bob. Cold in Alabama? What is happening with the world? I just had 2 of those eggs that didn't hatch. The parenting doves seemed to do a great job at caring for them, but they did not hatch. I'm not sure if it was too cold, or they were infertile. I'm thinking that maybe my male could be too young to breed.
Dave, I'm not sure if you told me about the doves drinking through their beaks, but I had figured it out. When I offer them water, especially in the mornings, they do the head dip and drink. From what you are telling me I seem to be doing ok, and that makes me feel much better. Maybe if me, and my doves can get through this first winter I will feel a little more sure! Thanks again! Regan
Mister Mystery
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
The longer you have them, the more secure you'll be. In fact you'll get to the point where you don't even think about problems with them. They'll just be your assistants and part of your family.
Where the magic begins
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Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
I can also reassure you that they are fine.
mine live outside in coup all year long. half protected and half exposed so that they can enjoy the sun during the day. they live out there 24/7 and its been 10-15 degrees at night here and only getting up tot he mid 20s during hte day. they are fine. you doing a good job asking the questions. PETA would be proud LOL sam
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks Dave & Sam. I hope I'm doing a good job.....I am trying.
Mister Mystery
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Gordon Special user Chicago 692 Posts |
You might consider using the light bulb heat to ensure their water stays, well, water and not ice.
But yes, as long as there is no wind and they have water, they'll be OK. Try to resist opening the area and losing the heat that has accumulated. |
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
A space heater could present a fire hazard. A safer option is a small ceramic heater like you can get at Target for $22. I would suggest getting a brooder lamp. They are sold at farm stores for baby chicks and just cost a few dollars. The brooder lamp uses a standard bulb and has a little grill around the front to protect birds from bumping the hot bulb.
Feed the light cord through the top of the cage and suspend it. I would suggest one light for each cage. Then, you can get some heavy clear plastic and staple it [or affix it] to the cage, so a breeze does not get through. You can still drape the cage[s] with a blanket on colder days, but this should do it. As for your frozen water bowl, you are gonna love me: http://www.revivalanimal.com/store/p/295......odZUDrUw For this one I would suggest you buy a stainless steel bowl that fits down inside the heated pet dish, so you can easily take it out, wash it, and replace it. ...Or a nice stainless steel bowl that hangs on the cage [see photo]: http://www.keenzo.com/showproduct.asp?M=......=3509019 If you are still wake up worried at 2:00 AM, when the temperature is -5 degrees, you can buy a thermometer for about $21 with a special transmitting unit that you can put in the bird cage! The receiver stays on your night stand and sends you a regular message telling you what the temperature it is in the bird cage. I have one of these thermometers for my magic studio bathroom [along with a small ceramic heater] so I can be sure that my pipes don't freeze when I turn off my big heater for the day. Geez, it is going to be -15 tonight in Colorado with windchill to -30. My lucky birds live inside! Click here to view attached image.
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Holy cow Autumn, that a great tip. I've never seen those before
Where the magic begins
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
don't you love that heated water bowl? The stores have them in sizes all the way up to big cattle tubs!
Ps: Dave, I loved the paper you sent me on dove care. The only caviat was the use of Sevin dust and poisons. That will cause serious health issues that are not always apparant. There are better alternatives! Just ask me...I got a whole lot of tips roaming around in my cobwebbed little head! ;)
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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Dave Scribner Assistant Manager Lake Hopatcong, NJ 4849 Posts |
Most of what I wrote is just stuff I've picked up over the years. The Sevin came from our buddy Bob Sanders for outdoor cages and aviaries. I've personally never used it.
I can't imagine cobbwebs forming inside that pretty little head. Not a sexist remark, just a statement of fact. Just ask Bob.
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
Awww, thanks!
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks Autumn!!!!!
Mister Mystery
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