A bit of advice needed please, I visit a small garden centre and they tend to have a few small animals and birds in stock, often aimed at the Christmas market, this year they have had a young Congo, I called in one morning when the temperatures overnight had been down to around -4 degrees, birdy was obviousely chilly, ie. ruffled feathers but seemingly in good spirits, I suggested that maybe the heating should be turned up a bit and was told that in nearly 20 years the shop had never been heated, I guess the temperatures overnight must drop to around 3 or 4 degrees inside the shop, before I could pursue this further I realised I had no idea at what lower temperature would cause an adult African problems, all info. on the net relates to raising chicks so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi,

CAG's as with any bird adjust to the temperature where they live.. the only time a problem could occur is if a bird is taken out of a very warm area and placed in to extreme cold or vica versa. i've 3 birds here who were previously house birds but due to their needs they now live outdoors. They have adjusted to the temp change over the months and despite temps of  down to -6 none of them have suffered any problems. Infact i have even gone out in the morning to find them bathing in the icy water!!!

The downside is that because this birdie is used to the cooler temps if/when he gets a new home he could have problems acclimatsing to a 'normal' heated home ie he could over heat, suffer with dry /itchy skin etc.

Provided he is a healthy bird and has all that he needs in the way of food/ housing etc then i don't see there is any major concern. Someone else may disagree, this is only my opinion going by the experience i've had but i hope it helps ease your concerns.

shaz

Thanks shaz, Steve and Shell, that certainly alleviates my concerns! its not something I had given much thought to, even with my own birds the case never arose as you say the concern has always been over too much heat!  tough little so and so's aren't they,  thanks again.