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Post by quakerfriend on Oct 15, 2014 17:48:43 GMT -5
I just found out about this - and was wondering what you guys think.
Do you provide a full spectrum light for your bird, or do let his cage sit outside? (what do you do for winter?)
What sort of light do you use, and how do you situate it by the cage?
If you don't know what I'm talking about, birds should be provided with full spectrum lighting or be exposed to sunlight for 30 minutes a day so a gland that produces oil is stimulated. This oil contains vitamin D, which the bird ingests while cleaning his feathers. At least that's how I think it works...?
I have not heard of this before, so I don't know if many people do this? And if anyone here could link to the bulb/dome they use?
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Post by easttex on Oct 16, 2014 6:01:20 GMT -5
I do use them. Besides being hot and humid, summers where I live bring an abundance of mosquitoes, and I worry about West Nile and other things they can carry. I usually wind up taking the birds outside regularly in the spring only. I don't have the lamps on them all the time. For an hour or so in the morning and then for a while in the evening. I have no idea if that is enough to replace sunlight. I don't think that 30 minutes of sunlight a day is required, actually. I could be wrong, but I've read that a few minutes a week will bring the benefits.
I originally bought one of the lamps marketed for pets, but was very disappointed in the quality of the fixture, and now use general full spectrum floor lamps. Supposedly you should replace the bulbs every year or so to keep getting the full spectrum.
I don't have the information on where I bought mine handy, but I think it was a site called lampsusa, or something like that. Just google "full spectrum lamp" and you'll probably see lots of choices.
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Post by quakerfriend on Oct 18, 2014 9:59:37 GMT -5
Ah, here's the article www.birdchannel.com/bird-diet-and-health/bird-care/light-spectrum.aspx"For adult pet birds, especially African species (such African greys, Poicephalus parrots, etc) that seem to be more sensitive to calcium problems, ideally they should be provided with an hour of natural, unfiltered sunlight a few times per week, but this is not always practical or possible. In those situations, full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs can be placed near the birds to provide them with the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. For optimal effectiveness, the bulb must be placed at the recommended distance from the bird and replaced at their recommended intervals."
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Post by benegesserit on Oct 20, 2014 18:27:03 GMT -5
I actually never thought of this for winter, but I put my quaker's cage up against our (screen) kitchen door when weather permits. I do think that if you're looking for cheaper alternatives than those marketed specifically to birds, your best bet is likely the aquarium section of a pet store. Most aquarium bulbs are specially made so as not to give off heat, unlike reptile type lighting. Since birds (in a cage) won't have much space to get away from heat, that seems like the best idea.
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Post by wcu157 on Dec 2, 2017 16:55:31 GMT -5
I had a zoo med avian lamp but it was pretty cheap quality and falling apart, taped and tied to another pole ref its not stable or safe just standing in the floor. I would love a good quality on specific for birds but only see web sites in the UK with what looks like better quality. If anybody know a good one let me know.
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Post by easttex on Dec 3, 2017 12:28:43 GMT -5
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