Ajax winters are no joke. Between the biting cold rolling off Lake Ontario and the bone-dry indoor air from cranked-up furnaces, the season presents real challenges for companion bird owners. Birds are tropical or subtropical animals by nature, and their bodies are not designed for the conditions inside a Canadian home during January and February.

At Ajax Birding Co., we adjust our care protocols seasonally to account for winter-specific needs. Here is what every Ajax bird owner should know about keeping their feathered friend comfortable and healthy from November through March.

Humidity Is Everything

This is the single most important winter care factor for birds, and it is the one most owners overlook. Forced-air heating systems drop indoor humidity to as low as 15 to 20 percent. Birds need 40 to 60 percent humidity to keep their skin, feathers, and respiratory systems healthy.

Low humidity causes dry, flaky skin that leads to excessive preening and potentially feather plucking. It dries out nasal passages, making birds more susceptible to respiratory infections. It also makes feathers brittle and dull.

Invest in a quality humidifier for the room where your bird spends most of their time. A hygrometer, which costs under $15, lets you monitor humidity levels accurately. Keep the room between 40 and 55 percent. If you notice your bird scratching more than usual or their feathers looking rough, humidity is likely the culprit.

Regular bathing also helps. Offer your bird a shallow bath dish or a gentle misting two to three times per week during winter. The water adds moisture to their feathers and skin directly, supplementing the humidifier.

Temperature Management

Birds are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than most people realize. The ideal ambient temperature for most companion birds is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Avoid placing cages near windows, exterior walls, or heating vents where temperatures swing dramatically.

Drafts are particularly dangerous. Even a subtle cold draft from a poorly sealed window can cause respiratory issues in birds. If your bird's cage is near a window, check for drafts by holding a lit candle near the frame. If the flame flickers, you have a draft that needs to be sealed.

At night, temperatures naturally drop. A cage cover can help retain warmth, and a ceramic heat emitter, the kind used for reptiles, can provide supplemental heat without light that disrupts sleep cycles. Never use space heaters with Teflon-coated elements near birds, as overheated Teflon releases fumes that are lethal to birds.

Teflon and PTFE: A Winter Warning

This deserves its own section because it becomes especially relevant in winter when people use more heating appliances. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is found in non-stick cookware, some space heaters, hair dryers, ovens with self-cleaning functions, and even certain ironing board covers.

When PTFE is heated to high temperatures, it releases colourless, odourless fumes that are rapidly fatal to birds. A bird can die within minutes of exposure. There is no antidote and no treatment once symptoms appear.

If you have a bird, eliminate all PTFE-coated products from your home or ensure they are never used when your bird is nearby. Switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware. Check space heaters for PTFE coatings before using them. Never run the oven's self-cleaning cycle when your bird is in the house.

Lighting and Photoperiod

Winter days in Ajax are short. By December, we get roughly nine hours of daylight, compared to 15 hours in summer. Birds are highly sensitive to photoperiod, and insufficient light can affect their mood, hormone levels, and vitamin D synthesis.

Provide 10 to 12 hours of full-spectrum light per day using an avian-specific UV lamp. These lamps mimic natural sunlight and support vitamin D3 production, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Position the lamp within 30 to 45 centimetres of the cage but ensure your bird can move away from it if they choose.

Maintain a consistent light-dark cycle. Use a timer to turn the UV lamp on in the morning and off in the evening at the same times each day. Regularity supports hormonal balance and helps prevent seasonal behavioural issues like aggression or excessive egg-laying.

Nutrition Adjustments

Birds may need slightly more calories during winter to maintain body temperature, especially if your home runs on the cooler side. You can increase the proportion of healthy fats in their diet by offering a few extra nuts like walnuts or almonds, or adding a small amount of coconut oil to their soft food mix.

Winter is also a good time to boost vitamin-rich fresh foods. Dark leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and Swiss chard provide vitamin A, which supports respiratory health and immune function. Sweet potato, butternut squash, and carrots offer beta-carotene. Citrus fruits in moderation provide vitamin C.

Ensure fresh water is always available and changed at least twice daily. Heated rooms cause water to evaporate faster, and birds drink more when the air is dry.

Reducing Stress During the Holidays

The winter holiday season brings its own set of challenges for birds. Guests, decorations, loud music, candles, cooking fumes, and disrupted routines can all cause stress.

Keep your bird's routine as consistent as possible during holiday events. If you are hosting a gathering, consider moving your bird to a quiet room away from the noise. Avoid burning scented candles or using air fresheners, as these can irritate a bird's sensitive respiratory system.

If you are travelling for the holidays and need someone to care for your bird, plan well in advance. The holiday season is our busiest period at Ajax Birding Co., and booking early ensures your bird gets a spot with a sitter who has been briefed on their specific needs.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Winter often means more time indoors for both you and your bird. Use this as an opportunity to increase training sessions, introduce new foraging puzzles, and spend extra one-on-one time together. A bored bird in a dry, dimly lit room is a recipe for behavioural problems.

Set up a play area near a window where your bird can see outside during the day. Even watching outdoor birds at a feeder can provide visual stimulation. Just ensure the window is sealed properly to prevent drafts and that direct sunlight through the glass does not create hot spots in the cage.

Signs of Winter-Related Health Issues

Watch for these warning signs during winter months:

  • Excessive scratching or feather plucking (likely humidity-related)
  • Sneezing, nasal discharge, or laboured breathing (respiratory irritation)
  • Lethargy or decreased appetite (potential illness or insufficient light)
  • Flaky skin around the beak and feet (dry air damage)
  • Changes in droppings (monitor for signs of infection)

If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than a day, consult an avian veterinarian. Winter health issues are much easier to treat when caught early.

Living in Ajax means dealing with serious winters, but with the right adjustments, your bird can stay healthy, comfortable, and happy all season long. A little extra attention to humidity, temperature, lighting, and nutrition goes a long way.