HEALTH & WELLNESS
HAMSTERS
Since hamsters have been known to go into hibernation at about 10C / 50F or even a little above that temperature , it is best to keep your hamster at around 60-75F ( 15C-23C ) all year round to avoid hibernation , or heat stroke . Make sure your hamster ’ s cage is not placed directly in the direction of an air conditioner or heater .
Your hamster may be grateful to you if you get it a blanket or a soft rug to curl up on . While several rodent hamsters will appreciate a tube or enclosed pouch to sleep in , ensure the safety of the fabric , as hamsters tend to chew anything on sight .
Keep an eye on your hamsters during winter for any signs of chewing of material or odd behaviour . Hamsters are extremely sensitive to cold and are not fond of air conditioners , so make sure you do not keep your home very cold during summers as well .
BIRDS
Relocate the bird ’ s cage away from doors and windows to the more interior parts of the house . Birds near doors and windows are susceptible to chills and disruption in health from icy drafts . Consider putting up a cage cover for your bird
once the sun sets . This can work wonders in regulating the temperature around them . Use caution when heating . If you have a backyard where you enjoy having bonfire or use portable electric space heaters , make sure your birds are not anywhere near . The smoke and heat waves can be fatal for your feathered friend .
Keep a check for signs of exposure . For instance , a bird suffering chills is a bird with a weakened immune system . Timely health check can prevent many weather-related ailments .
In the winter , the low temperatures are not the only threat to the bird ’ s health . Have you noticed more dander falling from your bird ’ s coat lately ? More feathers on the floor than usual ? Does your bird have a dusty appearance ? This is all justified for a Cockatoo , Cockatiel or an African Grey , which have a bit of white powder they naturally shed , but if your Conure or Quaker looks dull , then low humidity might be the culprit . The heating in the house dries the air thus causing nasal blockages and cracked hands and lips in humans . If we humans have to suffer such consequences , imagine the agony the birds feel .
So gear up for the winters and make sure you don ’ t ignore your furry or feathered family member to enjoy the winter chills with you .
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