UV Spectrum light?

[neen21]

Just wondering if anyone uses a UV spectrum light for their birds and if so where they purchased them? i went to 2 petsmarts and they didnt have then so im just wondering if anyone has any ideas. thanks!

[Snapperhead]

Yes, I use full spectrum lighting for my boys. I bought it through a bird store that we have in town.

www.parrotdiseperch.com (search lighting)

I know that Drs Foster & Smith carry a good variety of full spectrum lighting.

For more information on Full Spectrum lighting for birds see the link below:

http://www.users.mis.net/~pthrush/lighting/spectrum.html

Cheers, Tamara

[neen21]

ok cool, ill check it out, thanks so much! :D

[budgieboy05]

hi this is totally not helping you guys but im just curious why do birds need this light like what does it do for the bird and do all birds need this like or only parrots i have never heard of this lights for birds sorry but if my birds need this i want to get it for them do budgies and teils need them because that it what i got thankz

[Snapperhead]

All birds should have full spectrum lighting. In the wild our birds would be outdoors and under the sun (full spectrum light) all day long. Even birds that stay in the shade of the trees are still reaping the benefits of the sun as the receptor that processes this light is in their eyes and so even without direct sun they are still receiving full spectrum. The light itself helps their bodies to process certain vitamins and minerals. Originally full spectrum lighting was introduced to the African Grey community as they are notorious for calcium deficiencies and full spectrum lighting can aid in this. Ongoing research shows that all birds benefit from this specific kind of light (not reptile lights, despite what some pet stores will tell you). It is important to know the maximum time required for your species of birds and not shine the light directly on the bird where they cannot escape it. People that have the benefit of taking their birds outdoors year round do not need to purchase this lighting as the sun itself is the perfect source. I live in Calgary Canada and scary as this sounds...we can have snow as early in the year as September and still be having massive snowfalls as late into the spring as the May long weekend. Last summer I made it a habit of having my boy out in his small sleeping cage for about an hour each evening...but unfortunately it's too short a season here and so I turn to the artificial lighting. While this type of lighting is not an absolute neccessity...it is definately a huge way to contribute to the longevity and overall good health of our feathered buddies...regardless of their size...Hyacinth to Budgie!
Cheers, Tamara

[budgieboy05]

hi thankz for the info when i get some extra money ill purchase my birds a light my quesions are where can i get this light from,how long i would have to keep the light on for my birds, and how far should i place the light from the bird cage, and do differnt types of birds need a dirrent watt or something thankz in advance

[Snapperhead]

Please see the link in an earlier post on this thread to learn more about the type of light. You can purchase the proper bulbs from Drs Foster & Smith, or do a google search on "buy full spectrum lighting for birds". I know that OTT is a popular choice for avian lighting (you must be sure to get the correct bulb though) and also VitaLite (sp?). I know that with my Lovies, they only require about an hour a day of the full spectrum light and so a budgie would probably be even less. Your best bet is to read that article (as drawn out as it is) by Patrick Thrush that I posted the link to earlier.
Cheers, Tamara