Last Updated on January 29, 2022 by Mitch Rezman

Mary J asks about,

Infrared Heat Lap aka Spa Time for Kukla

 

After bathing my cockatiel doesn’t want to be dried in any fashion although she appears cold.

 

I’m concerned.

 

Accidentally I was using an infrared heat lamp for my knee one day, and Kukla absolutely loved staying in front of it.

When she bathes she now expects and even flies over to it for me to turn on.

 

I’m afraid that she looks directly into the lamp most times.

 

Will, it hurt her eyes?

 

I turn it towards her back but she just puts her face just a few inches from it. Thoughts?

File under “that depends”.

Dear Mary

A solid no-light infrared bulb is safe. Glass “heat lamp” type bulbs may contain Teflon that will kill Kukla

 

Either way, you want to be there when your bird basks in the heat.

 

If your lamp has a ceramic socket, it will work fine.

 

Infrared Bulb Guard Clamp-on
Brooder Lamp 5-1/2″ W/ 50W Ceramic Bulb ~ $29.00

 

You just need to supervise and not leave the bird alone under the heat.

 

The bulbs are normally used in outside or large aviaries but will be a good choice for your ‘tiel.

 

Regards, 

Catherine