Do They Really Need Full Specturm Light Or Will A Proper Diet Due Fine

[dustbunny86]

Originally Posted by Koki

The 'full-spectrem' provided by any bulb, though it has numerous benefits, has not been shown to have any positive effect on vitimin D3 synthesis. My CertAvian Vet told me, and I have yet to read any research that says it does. Everything I read that says it does is based on a light bulb salesmans website.

UVB outdoors certainly does turn precursors into D3, but what you have in the bulbs is completely inadequate. It's like trying to start a car with a thimble full of gasoline. Yes, it's the right stuff, but there just ain't enough of it.

What about reptile full spectrum flourescent or mercury vapor bulbs with 2 - 10% UVB (the lower range for reptiles who are often in the shade or are native to temperate areas, mid-range for tropical animals who are in an area with high intensity rays but typically are shaded due to the rainforest canopy and shrubbery, and the higher range for desert animals exposed to high intensity)? Studies with reptiles have shown that reptiles kept under proper artificial lighting (not poor quality bulbs) are able to synthesize Vitamin D3, preventing or even reversing metabolic bone disease (which occurs in reptiles when there is not enough Vitamin D3 to absorb/utilize calcium). Why wouldn't these bulbs work well for birds?

I've read a few studies on the differences between poor quality "full spectrum bulbs" like those that would be found in a home improvement store and those made specifically for reptile purposes... and in the poor quality bulbs, there is much less UVB output as well as a smaller total amount of USABLE UVB rays.

[Monica]

There are FS bulbs made just for birds (but not all are safe). If you think about it though, reptiles are down on the ground where-as parrots are up in the trees... this may make a difference in the amount of lighting and intensity that each species gets, thus bulbs for reptiles may be inadequate for parrots.... or possibly even harmful...

[SniperIX]

My birds usually get sun through the window (well hardly). I'm sure it's not a immidiate health danger but taking the cage outside every couple of days should suffice right?

[Koki]

Originally Posted by dustbunny86

What about reptile full spectrum flourescent or mercury vapor bulbs with 2 - 10% UVB (the lower range for reptiles who are often in the shade or are native to temperate areas, mid-range for tropical animals who are in an area with high intensity rays but typically are shaded due to the rainforest canopy and shrubbery, and the higher range for desert animals exposed to high intensity)? Studies with reptiles have shown that reptiles kept under proper artificial lighting (not poor quality bulbs) are able to synthesize Vitamin D3, preventing or even reversing metabolic bone disease (which occurs in reptiles when there is not enough Vitamin D3 to absorb/utilize calcium). Why wouldn't these bulbs work well for birds?

I've read a few studies on the differences between poor quality "full spectrum bulbs" like those that would be found in a home improvement store and those made specifically for reptile purposes... and in the poor quality bulbs, there is much less UVB output as well as a smaller total amount of USABLE UVB rays.

I don't doubt that for a minute. But to say since it works on reptiles, it should work on birds, is bad science.

10% UVB, may work on reptiles. Reptiles body is exposed to the sunlight and the entire surface may be able to syntheis D3. A birds body is covered with feathers. The feathers must be oiled by the bird. Then the bird must ingest the D3. It stands to reason that 10% UVB may not be enough for birds. Furthermore, specially made avian full-spectrum bulbs seldom have more than 0.5% UVB, a few have 2.5%, and most don't mention UVB.

I'm not saying it doesn't work, but the evidence is not out there for me to depend on it. And I am skeptical.

[mybirdbutters]

Originally Posted by SniperIX

My birds usually get sun through the window (well hardly). I'm sure it's not a immidiate health danger but taking the cage outside every couple of days should suffice right?

The window glass is filtering the light so it's not going to have any benefit.

[shosh]

Very interesting conversation and with so many opposing opinions, from experts and hobbyists alike, it is hard to know where to drop one's hat, so to say.

I have one rescue budgie who is up to around 14 years old now that hasn't eaten anything but seed and lettuce ( refuses pellets ) and except for his day in the sun when I found him, has been inside all his life. I wonder just how much longevity in birds is affected by genetics, just as it is in humans. No doubt that diet and environment are factors, but it is a worthwhile query.

Now, the birds are all in a sunny room with open windows for fresh air but neither the lovebird cage nor the budgie cage is beside one of those open windows...the windows their cages are near are solid. I wonder if, even if they don't get the benefits of the unfiltered FS sunlight, if perhaps the warmth of the sun and the light itself is beneficial.

Bringing up birds and sun...well, what about cats. Now, my cats go out all year except for winter and love every minute of it. But there are cats who spend their whole lives indoors, thrive on good food and lots of toys and love, and live 20 years without the benefit of full-spectrum lighting.

Certainly, they need the sunlight as much as a bird or we do.....

[amanda143]

Originally Posted by shosh

Very interesting conversation and with so many opposing opinions, from experts and hobbyists alike, it is hard to know where to drop one's hat, so to say.

I have one rescue budgie who is up to around 14 years old now that hasn't eaten anything but seed and lettuce ( refuses pellets ) and except for his day in the sun when I found him, has been inside all his life. I wonder just how much longevity in birds is affected by genetics, just as it is in humans. No doubt that diet and environment are factors, but it is a worthwhile query.

Now, the birds are all in a sunny room with open windows for fresh air but neither the lovebird cage nor the budgie cage is beside one of those open windows...the windows their cages are near are solid. I wonder if, even if they don't get the benefits of the unfiltered FS sunlight, if perhaps the warmth of the sun and the light itself is beneficial.

Bringing up birds and sun...well, what about cats. Now, my cats go out all year except for winter and love every minute of it. But there are cats who spend their whole lives indoors, thrive on good food and lots of toys and love, and live 20 years without the benefit of full-spectrum lighting.

Certainly, they need the sunlight as much as a bird or we do.....

Great point you have there. I feel much the same way. We all do what we can for the benefit and well being of our babies but I don't care how much scientific evidence someone throws at me, it won't work for every situation. If I go outside I will burn, but you may not. Who is to say that birds, cats, dogs, etc aren't the same way?