Do we need full-spectrum lighting?

[bekfreak]

Bella will nap under hers and she really enjoys it after a nice shower. I even noticed a difference with myself this winter that I did not suffer the winter blues as bad.

[BirdFace]

I understand that modern windows filter UV, but does it filter ALL of it? My living room is drenched in direct sun from morning till about 2pm via Ten 9ft tall X 5ft wide windows. Do you think enough/any "good" light gets through to benefit my bird? Anyone know?

[jimpierce7]

Originally Posted by BirdFace

I understand that modern windows filter UV, but does it filter ALL of it? My living room is drenched in direct sun from morning till about 2pm via Ten 9ft tall X 5ft wide windows. Do you think enough/any "good" light gets through to benefit my bird? Anyone know?

your carpet and furniture will answer that for you eventually. lol I don't believe that the glass we use in our homes filters out 100% of the UV rays but it does get most of it.

[Pepper's Pa]

I'll second what jimpierce7 said. If you notice that your rugs and furniture lose their color from being bleached by the sun, you know the beneficial light is coming through.
One thing to consider though is the following. You have a choice between foods to feed your birds, one that has 100% of the needed nutrients or one that has only 80% of the needed nutrients. If you chose to feed the food providing 80% of the needed nutrients, you'd most likely supplement that diet to bring the nutrient level up to 100%. You know that windows reduce some of the beneficial rays coming from the sun. Using a full-spectrum light is providing that supplemental need in the area of needed light requirements.

[BirdFace]

Thanks for the replies. Haven't noticed any fading or bleaching so I guess I need to go get one. With the ton of sun I get, I was hoping It was enough.

[BrookR1]

Do you have screens over your windows? Can't you just open the window for a couple of hours? There's the extra benefit of fresh air.

[BirdFace]

I would love to open the windows but I live in Manhattan and the dust is a big problem :(