Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am planning a mixed aviary with zebra finches and diamond doves, however I'm concerned about the coming winter. Can zebras handle being in an outdoor aviary during the winter months? I live in an area with plenty of wet weather and temperatures can fall into the 20s for brief periods during the winter. We don't get much snow, but it can get pretty miserable. The aviary will be parially enclosed with a solid roof on one section as well as a large open fly area with wire or mesh roofing. During the winter, I was planning on providing a heating bulb in the enclosed roosting area to keep them comfortable. Would this be alright, or should I plan to bring the birds indoors when it gets cold?

Thank you for any advice!

I don't have much experience with birds outdoors -- too cold no matter how you look at it here in Michigan, but I've tried to learn about minimum temps. etc. because I've considered building something that would be fully enclosed and heated to some degree. If they're to stay outdoors over winter, there really needs to be a fully enclosed shelter to keep them out of the wind. Wind chills will kill them even if the temperature isn't that low. They can adjust to temperatures as low as 40 or so, with a heat lamp it won't be hard to keep at least one area that warm. Keep a thermometer around to be sure it doesn't dip much below 40 though. If they do have an enclosed shelter and it's reasonably well insulated you might actually have to beware of the temp. going too high. But if they seem to spend all their time huddled together rather than eating and flying, it's time to bring them inside no matter what the temperature.

- Lara