Winter is setting in, and pet birds suffer more from the cold at this time. A few preparations made in advance will make it easier to protect them from cold-related problems and diseases. Here is what to do to keep pet birds from catching cold in winter.

• Do not let the temperature of the room where the cage is kept fall below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18 degrees Celsius.
• Keep the cage where cold wind cannot hit it directly. During a cold wave, keep the room's windows and doors properly shut.
• Those who keep birds on a balcony must cover the balcony with polythene, tent cloth or tarpaulin.
• Put the cage in the sun for 2 to 3 hours every day, placed so that one side gets sun and the other stays in shade.
• If it is very cold, place a 60-watt bulb or a hurricane lantern outside the cage. Never use fire or charcoal to keep birds warm, as this can be fatal to them.
• Some room heaters and animal heaters are safe to use, but they must be used carefully and placed away from the cage.
• At night, always cover the cage with a thick cloth or a light blanket, leaving some space for air to circulate.

• Honey, ginger, basil (tulsi) leaves, mint leaves and unrefined apple cider vinegar help prevent colds in birds and are used to treat them.
• Regular fresh vegetables and fruit also boost birds' immunity. A basil solution can be given for 3 days every 2 weeks.
• As first aid, give basil solution, fresh basil leaves and mint leaves for 5 to 7 days in a row. If the cold does not ease and the bird shows breathing trouble or tail bobbing, give water mixed with Bragg ACV for 7 days in a row.
• In winter, increase the share of oil seeds such as sesame or gujji til, sunflower seeds and canary seed in the bird's seed mix, and add some mustard seed.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.