UV Lamp

[Grenage]

Greetings,

Our GCC is nicely settled, but while we were getting him checked at the vets, it was mentioned that birds really benefit from UV. Apparently due to them being able to see the UV spectrum, and for vitamin development.

Does anyone here favour particular units/fixings, or have you just Jerry-rigged something together?

Russell.

 

[wenz2712]

I bought a full spectrum lightbulb and put it in a normal lamp, which I have on a Corner Shelf and it shines down onto the Cage

It also does us some good with all this bad Weather we are having, as it represents Sunshine

 

[Grenage]

So I imagine the full-spectrum appears as a white light, how far away have you positioned the lamp from the cage? Thanks for replying.

 

[wenz2712]

I have the lamp about 2 ft away.. It is on a shelf in the corner , so it shines directly into the Cage.. Its far enough away that she cannot get to it! I dont have it on all day.. I just put it on for 2 or 3 Hours if it is dull like it is today. If its Sunny, then I have no need to as the Sun is in here most of the day

 

[Grenage]

Awesome, thank you. While this room normally gets plenty of light, none of it is direct; that, tied in with windows filtering out the UV, caused me to stop and think about things.

Time to shop around!

 

[henpecked]

There's not good substitute to unfiltered direct sunlight. Full spectrum lights will help but only if with in 18 inches and only if they are new. They only last for a very short time before the coating wears off the bulbs. Do you have a window you can open to allow sunlight in? Even reflected sunlight will help, as little as 20 min. per week of direct sunlight is all they really need.

 

[Grenage]

Perhaps I'll try and get some garden time with him, he does have a smaller travel cage.

 

[Parrotmamma]

That's what I do for mine , I have an outside cage that I put them in a few times a week.
As henpacked stated ...can't beat real sunlight : )