Full Spectrum Lighting

[BlueToast]

I just got a FeatherBrite brand full spectrum light for Pepper. I understand that the benifits of the light are found in the UV rays that we can't see but still it seems kind of dim. A 15 watt bulb came with the lamp. What lamps or lighting systems are you using, and how is that working out? -BlueToast

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I use a window.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

Full spectrum lighting is a bit overrated and only rarely needed (sick animals and perhaps greys who are allegedly prone to Ca/D deficiencies). Even when they are however most lights marketed as full spectrum are not much better (if any better) than a plain old incandescent bulb, but they ARE a lot more expensive.

If you can't/don't get any sunlight a regular old lamp will usually do the trick just fine:

How can full-spectrum light sources be compared? | Full-Spectrum Light Sources | Lighting Answers | NLPIP

 

[Spiritbird]

Hey BT My vet (avain certified) told me full spectrum lighting was needed for most all parrots. She said the full spectrum does not penetrate glass. I also read this in many books about parrots. I do have one as my place gets no sunshine in at all. It is a light bulb that says full spectrum for avain purposes. And I do have an African G so it is needed for sure. AD I do not know about Connures and their need for lighting.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I don't mean to be a trouble maker ... but full spectrum light not penetrating glass? We have to pay for particular materials in sun glasses to block particular ranges of light.

And if it doesn't penetrate glass.... then what are the bulbs made out of?

 

[Spiritbird]

Hey trouble maker: I do understand your argument on this topic. I also believe my vets because they (4 in one office) all tell me about the importance of the lamp for birds to get their vitamin needs met. As far as the light they need penetrating glass - read up on this topic if you wish. Many books I have on parrot care and classes I have been to verify this statement. I give you a link to a very good article on the subject from Winged Wisdom. Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Bird Lighting Hotspots - Pet Birds This next article is also scientifically oriented and does mention in the note section that 90% of the UV lighting does not penetrate glass. amazonasociety.org - Articles - The Necessity of Full Spectrum Lighting I send you these two articles for you review. Let me know what you think.

 

[parrotparent]

I tend to land somewhere in the middle as it is a hotly debated topic with tons of information on both sides. On days that are very sunny my birds spend plenty of time by the windows soaking it up. On days that are not (or are chilly in the winter) I have a lamp that I turn on above the cage. It is actually for reptiles which provides UVA/UVB and heat (not close enough to burn them of course) which my Cockatiel loves to bask under. My Conure is entirely to busy to be bothered with what kind of light he is getting .

 

[BlueToast]

Many home window manufactures do coat the panes of glass with a film that among other things filters frequencies of ultra violet radiation that some vets will tell you the bird requires to process food into the nutrients it needs. For example; the conversion of calcium to a type of vitamin d. Thats the sales pitch at least.

 

[liliafavor]

Full Spectrum Solutions lives up to our vision statement every day by providing high quality full spectrum lighting. full spectrum lighting and natural daylight lamps are the ideal light source for just about every application. Reading is made easier, colors are more natural and vibrant and eye strain and fatigue is a thing of the past.

 

[clawnz]

This is my take on this.

Natural UVB does pass thorough glass.
Natural UVA is mostly filtered out.

UVA is what Fids need to process calicum.

From what I researched even the very best Full Spectrum light bulbs have to be with-in 1mt of your birds to be affective, in calcium metabilsum.
And those compact low energy bulbs have to be right up close to be any good.
That is why those with Reptiles have the lights right down on top of their pets.
But it will help with there vision.

I am with Auggies Dad and think if they are like my Fids and are in a glass environment they do get enough UVB UVA.
If they are in a internal room with no natural light they will need added lighting to remain in top condition.

If you feed pellets they will be getting some calcium from that.
But then question that they need UVA to process that.
There is some evidence or talk that your Fid could overdose, if you have Full Spectrum Lights and feed just pellets.

Natural is best every time.

 

[clawnz]

Hey trouble maker: I do understand your argument on this topic. I also believe my vets because they (4 in one office) all tell me about the importance of the lamp for birds to get their vitamin needs met. As far as the light they need penetrating glass - read up on this topic if you wish. Many books I have on parrot care and classes I have been to verify this statement. I give you a link to a very good article on the subject from Winged Wisdom. Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Bird Lighting Hotspots - Pet Birds This next article is also scientifically oriented and does mention in the note section that 90% of the UV lighting does not penetrate glass. amazonasociety.org - Articles - The Necessity of Full Spectrum Lighting I send you these two articles for you review. Let me know what you think.

The bit in bold should read UVA not UV does not penetrate glass.
Again I put my own birds up as classic case, that they can be in great condition without Full Spectrum Lighting.

As far as vets go I would not take all they say as correct! And you would hardly have 4x vets in the same practice giving different opinions?
As a classic example.
Some vets still clip just one wing and anybody who thinks this is right, I would not go to.

 

[Bobby34231]

The thread is almost 2 years old, but tnx for the info.......

 

[Spiritbird]

Why are we digging up old threads. FSL will remain a debated topic for birds. And to note yes all 4 avain vets in the office I go to had the same opinion.

 

[clawnz]

Sorry I did not take any notice at the dates!
I just read the thread and replyed to the post above mine.

 

[Sweetie2]

How much lighting do parrots need? I have read that they need UVA and UVB lighting, particularly in colder climates when they can't be taken outside.

Does anyone know which brands, types are best?

Confused