Clip on lamp

[DebsFlock]

Be careful about the bird reaching the bulb. I use a clip light on a shelf near the cage, but I wouldn't trust my birds with it on the cage.

 

[SpringCottageParrot]

We use an infra-red lamp to warm up Casper's corner of the room after he has had a shower, the type for muscle injuries on humans and puppy litters.
The more I read about the full spectrum bulbs the more I wish I hadn't bothered to buy one. As I understand it, you have to have the type made of quartz glass, they only last about six months and they have to be within foot of the bird to be effective. I haven't worked out whether this is just for the vitamin D benefit or for the treat to their vision as well. Also, are they hazardous for humans?

 

[DebsFlock]

The full spectrum bulbs are not hazardous for humans. The UV radiation is present, but is actually considerably smaller fraction than actually in sunlight, plus the overall energy from the bulb is MUCH less. They do produce both UV-A and UV-B so presumably have some illumination benefit as well as stoking Vit-D metabolism. If you can get some exposure to sunlight (5-10 minutes most days) that has not been filtered through solid glass or plastic, you may not need a full spectrum bulb, but if not, it is a good idea. I haven't done the calculation, but I think even allowing sunlight into a room through a window screen may be sufficient if you can do that for a couple of hours fairly frequently. UV should pass through a screen fairly effectively, but of course the overall illumination is less than direct sunlight.

My understanding is that you need to be careful with IR bulbs, especially ones marketed for reptiles. Some have coatings that can outgas. It's probably prudent to at least "burn in" any bulb that may be coated away from your birds.

 

[CRYROLFE]

Well....should I get the 15w or the 20w? It's for my CAG and my new Ekkie....there are also 2 windows in the room but not open now since it's cold.

Vital-Lamp Full Spectrum Light for Birds 20W - FULL SPECTRUM LIGHTING by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

Featherbrite Full Spectrum Lightbulbs 15W - FULL SPECTRUM LIGHTING by MY SAFE BIRD STORE