Jim.......So where exactly are the results of the tests of your "solarmeter" or a "solarmeter" on the linear true Full Spectrum lights in all that info. you provided? From what I have read so far (no time right now to get into it too deeply) that a-fore-mentioned solarmeter showed there is little UVB in REPTILE LIGHTS which are different from true F.S. bird lights. Incandescent/screw-ins are not true fluorescent F.S. lights from all that I have read...
So this "floor light" that you tested: Was it a linear fluorescent? What was the CRI (?) the K rating (?) Wattage (?), what type of ballast was being used (?)
Are all the lil paragraphs you showed yours or did you quote them from someone else? I just ask to be sure, so I know who I am talking to?
Info. from my notes & paperwork here: D3 is a hormone necessary in order for the digestive tract to be able to extract calcium from the diet, correct. Without sufficient amounts of D3 (the research shows) even large doses of calcium supplementation will not be a benefit. And by giving these supplements orally or by injection we then run the risk of too much calcium (hypercalcemia) in the system, in the tissues, heart, bones, kidneys, etc....So the correct level is very hard to artificially regulate. One of the greatest benefits of proper F.S. Lighting is the NATURAL synthesis of Vitamin D precursors (calciferol & cholecalciferol) which will allow the bird to NATURALLY regulate calcium uptake (again according to the research). Of course our birds must also have a good diet.....
Research has also showed that proper F.S. Lighting has a great effect on the glandular system. The Thyroid, Pineal & the Hypothalamus Glands control many of the most important functions in our bird's systems & normal photo periods of F.S. Light is needed to stimulate these glands into doing their respective jobs. Too little calcium can cause seizures, heart disorders, elevated blood cholesterol, soft shelled eggs, bone disorders, nervousness & tetany. If above mentioned glands are not functioning properly other conditions may present themselves such as poor feathering, skin disorders, triggers for reproduction are not set properly, preening is off, bird can become lethargic etc......So many people on our board here are having problems of different varieties with their birds. I suggest to each of them who do not regularly expose their flock members to outdoor direct sunlight: Get some proper F.S. Lighting, spend a few bucks, try it for yourself. Worse case scenario = you throw away about $60 (big deal).
So in summation for now, I personally will choose to go with the studies and research that says proper indoor F.S. Lighting is the next best thing to natural outdoor direct sunlight. For those who doubt the research on this subject, whether done independently or by the manufacturers themselves and thus choose to keep their pennies in their pockets rather than spending it on an ATTEMPT to provide the best they can for their flock members, I wish you and your feathered buddies the best of luck and health. Keeping your birds in the "dark" so to speak or in improper lighting is just not logical to me......
