| MadSci Network: Physics |
Hello, Catherine. You specified non-electrical heating for the perch, but that would probably be the best way to go. I'm guessing that you don't have electricity available in the aviary. One option is to run an electrical line from your house to the aviary. A standard, New Zealand 230-volt line would have to be professionally installed, but you may be able to install a low voltage line by yourself. In the U.S., we use 12-volt lines for these kinds of projects. Another option is to use deep-cycle lead batteries to power the heater. You would need to rotate the battery with another one after it has been discharged. This would be a laborious operation, however. Also, the batteries may release toxic fumes, so they would have to be located outside the aviary. A propane or natural gas heater could be used, but that wouldn't heat the perch specifically. This option has the danger of toxic fumes, as well. A small gas water heater could be used to heat water, which would then circulate through the perch. Here is a link to a company that sells heated perches. It contains a 12-volt heater. It doesn't turn off when the bird isn't on it, though. An electrical switch could be hooked up to the perch so that when the bird sits on it, it completes the circuit and turns on the heater. http://khmfg.com/products /heatedBirdPerch.htm I hope this helps. Good luck, Kevin
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