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Post by Hannah on Nov 9, 2016 14:03:06 GMT -5
Does anyone else have a parrot who sunbathes?
Ollie loves to sit infront of the window whenever the blinds are open and relax.
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Post by beccilouise on Nov 9, 2016 15:30:30 GMT -5
Maya loves it too. Sunlight (specifically UV) is really important to keep their feathers healthy. Do you have an arcadia light for Ollie? Maya has one for her cage and it helps to keep her feathers in good condition (calcium and protein are also really important for this), but UV light can't penetrate glass, so although he appears to be sunbathing, he won't be getting the vitamins from the sun he needs from behind the window.. Arcadia lights are really good but also quite expensive. The other option is to take Ollie outside in a harness or a little carry cage and let him have at least 15 minutes of sunlight a week.
It sounds really cute how much he likes sitting by the open blinds. They are little darlings.
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Post by Hannah on Nov 9, 2016 16:11:57 GMT -5
What light is best?
And how long should I leave it on for?
I don't have one but I'll look in my pet store, I think their in the reptile section.
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Post by cnyguy on Nov 9, 2016 20:51:24 GMT -5
Ralph and Scooter are too far away from the nearest window to get any direct sunlight through it. I do have a full-spectrum light in a ceiling fixture above their cages-- this one: Featherbrite bulb Scooter the CAG has been a lot perkier since I put it in, and it seems to be helping with her feather condition too. Ralph didn't like it at first and stayed in the farther corner of his cage away from the light, but he has become used to it. The reptile bulbs really aren't appropriate for birds; they give off heat that is of no benefit to a bird. An avian-specific full-spectrum bulb is a better choice if you decide to try full-spectrum lighting. |
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Post by julianna on Nov 11, 2016 14:31:57 GMT -5
That sure is one expensive light bulb... but I guess it is worth it. $106 Canadian then shipping and handling. Wow...
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Post by cnyguy on Nov 11, 2016 23:19:36 GMT -5
I paid $18 (US) for the bulb I bought, plus $4 shipping-- the bulb only, without the expensive fixture that's available. If you shop around, you can probably find that bulb, or another type of avian full-spectrum bulb, at a better price.
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