With winter approaching...

I lived in Europe before i moved to Africa and information was a bit outdated about the continent.

I certainly never would have associated Africa with snow.
I must say though, those pictures are beautiful.
I agree with Charis, they look like a scene from Switzerland or Germany.

I sure did enjoy this history lesson, plamenh.

These birds live on the beach near Cape Town



Would you associate them with Africa?
(no pollar bears though)

plamenh wrote:

These birds live on the beach near Cape Town



Would you associate them with Africa?
(no pollar bears though)

I thought there were warm water Penguins.

The water I tested when I was in CT was brrrrr cold. Indian ocean near Durban was quite to my liking though.

Thanks for all the info plamenh

Your photos didn't surprise me a bit 7 yes I did know penguins lived on the coast in Africa.
I've wanted to go there since I was a child. My daughter plans on working at a baboon rescue near Phalaborwa in a year, she was suppose to go this spring but the price of everything sky rocketed so had to post pone her trip.

Quote :

My daughter plans on working at a baboon rescue near Phalaborwa in a year, she was suppose to go this spring but the price of everything sky rocketed so had to post pone her trip.

Small world heh? I'll need to go to Phalaborwa these coming months as I have a contract there.

You did your homework and thoughtfully checked information about South Africa, I didn’t. I was expecting on my arrival here that I’m supposed to catch an elephant to transport me to town.

plamenh wrote:

Quote :

My daughter plans on working at a baboon rescue near Phalaborwa in a year, she was suppose to go this spring but the price of everything sky rocketed so had to post pone her trip.

Small world heh? I'll need to go to Phalaborwa these coming months as I have a contract there.

You did your homework and thoughtfully checked information about South Africa, I didn’t. I was expecting on my arrival here that I’m supposed to catch an elephant to transport me to town.

I would have thought that too because, I have an associate that is big time into Elephant rescue and visits SA frequently.
She just loves it there.

Portable Oil-Filled Radiator

I know some people use these types of heaters. Would this work well in a small loft? This is the smallest one that I've found.

That's what I use except mine isn't programable.

I've heard that alot of owners use these types, the only thing that I would question is if there are any fumes.

Charis since you use one have you noticed any? What size is your loft?

EgypSwiftLady wrote:

I've heard that alot of owners use these types, the only thing that I would question is if there are any fumes.

Charis since you use one have you noticed any? What size is your loft?

When you get one, turn it on in a sfe plce where ther aren't any small animals or birds to burn off and residue that may be on the outside from the manufacturing process.
I have a small one that I purchased at Target. It was about $40. on sale. Don't buy one full price because this time of year, you may be able to pick one up for $30.

I actually used 3 although 1 will be retired this year as most of the birds that needed it have moved to Landy's loft. Those birds where in a standard single car garage. I also have one in the chicken cottage which is 6x16. The third heater is in a room 12x18. Both of the remaining spaces are insulated.

To achieve the temperture I want I start by turning the hearter to the lowest setting . I have a thermometer in each sapce so I can monitor the temp. After 1 hour I check the temp and adjust, repeating until the temp is just where I want it which for here is above freezing and keeps the water from freezing.

Another good idea with these heaters is to make a cage like cover for them so the birds won't be able to perch directly on them. I had one Pigeon that loved to do that.

I hope this is helpful.

My loft is 8X10, insulated. I have 2 reptile emitters, 250 watt, that hang over perches and shelves for the birds. I use these until it gets really cold out. Then I use one of those radiator type heaters with the oil in them. I keep it on low, and it does a wonderful job. It's nice steady heat, and as Charis said, you need to cover it so that no one lands on it. It does get very warm. I had a small piece of flashing on it in this picture, but ended up putting on a larger piece of flashing to cover it better to keeps the poops off. The birds do like to sit on it. But I have it raised up and it doesn't get hot. Only warm. I love mine, and I'm sure the birds do too. They better make them forever, as I wouldn't want to change it for any other kind. It's great. They do sell programmable ones also, but you don't really need that, as you can just set it, and it keeps it nice. I think this is a great heat source for a loft.

When they work, they work well. Unfortuanetly I have bad experience with one of these. Oil started leaking on the joint of the fin, there was a smoke everywhere and I returned a bunch of them to the supplier.

I just found this one. I like the small size since space is an issue in my loft. And at 400w it should make enough heat. Electric Oil Filled Space Heater

Looks good, just needs mesh cower for pigeon legs protection.

I just ordered this oil filled flat panel heater. In case anyone's interested, this was the cheapest I found. Shipping was free. Dayton 1VNX3 Electric Heater

I'll let everyone know how it works out.

Jenaka wrote:

I just ordered this oil filled flat panel heater. In case anyone's interested, this was the cheapest I found. Shipping was free. Dayton 1VNX3 Electric Heater

I'll let everyone know how it works out.

That's a nice looking heater, Jen. And a great price too.
I hope your pijjies give it a two wings up seal of approval.

That heater looks great!
I've got two big 2 KW ones in the house, one of them... you guessed: just below the pigeons' cages. Makeshift awnings on the sick pigeons' cages catch the warm updraft and keep them toasty. Scarlet's carrier is on the ground, close to it.
Electric oil-filled heaters are the only ones I've used for many years, as so far they have been very reliable and safe, and produce no smell or fumes whatsoever. When the pigeons are out of the cages I put a towel over the heater, taking care not to obstruct the vents.

[quote="Jenaka"]I just ordered this oil filled flat panel heater. In case anyone's interested, this was the cheapest I found. Shipping was free. Dayton 1VNX3 Electric Heater

I'll let everyone know how it works out. [/quote

That's a great price.

http://www.birdbaths.com/bird-bath-accessories/bird-bath-heaters/deluxebirdbathdecer.cfm

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11847&ref=4139&subref=aa&mkwid=eZlAIwkbd|pcrid|257906139&cmpid=PPC-_-M-_-4139

I like this heater so far. It's keeping my small loft around 42 degrees even on a night when it got down to 20 degrees outside. And I only had it set on 50% power.

That's perfect, Jen.

I'll bet the pijjies like the new heater.