Opinions on brand of light wanted

[Jannabellsmom]

Amazon.com: Zoo Med Avian Sun Deluxe Floor Lamp: Home & Garden

Do you know anything about this light?
Thanks in advance.

[Dick]

The reviews are not all that good. I hope you know this does not include, or I don't think it does, the $57.00 lamp that is needed. I have been looking for something as well maybe I'll spot something that catches my eye and I'll let you know.
Have a great Day

[MicahEspudo]

Why don't you just take your birds outside?
even in the cage!
Studies have shown that these lamps don't even come close to the sun... They're a waste of money!

[Jannabellsmom]

My avian vet reccomeded a lamp. But taking baby outside would be good. I need a smaller cage to do that, or to harness train her. I bought her a petite aviator but she had an accident to her head feathers last week and is still healing so im not training her to put the headpiece on yet. The we had a scare about swallowing a staple, and her wings were held down for the exam so I'm gonna let her rest a few more days before I tackle her handling wing handling. I'd like to get her a travel cage but after all the recent vet bills money is tight. That's why I was looking on amazon at this cheap lamp. LOL. Also, taking her outside in the winter is not an option here in New York.

[MicahEspudo]

You could probably get a nice cage on craigslist for cheaper than that lamp.

[Amie]

But the birds can't possibly be outside 12 hours a day, that's what the lamps are for.

Honestly, I'm on a hugely strict budget at the moment with buying a house and getting married, and my vet recommended http://www.naturallighting.com Spiralux Vita-lite because they screw into a regular lamp. It's not the best around, but it's significantly better than nothing and I simply can't afford the $200 setup I want to get!!

[MicahEspudo]

You only really need to take the birds outside for at least an hour a week... I don't find trouble finding the time to do that...!

[nvranemptynest]

This floor lamp is not worth the money. The design does not allow for good adjustment. Luckily, I ordered mine from Foster & Smith, who will accept a return after 30 days.

I found hanging lamps at mybirdstore.com for about the same price as I paid for the floor lamp (when you consider the bulb is included).

It's true, these bulbs only replicate (to the best of human ability) one portion of the day's natural sun rays. However, when you can't get them outside, one is better than none. There have been noticeable changes for the better in my birds since I provided bulbs with both uva and uvb. They seem to appreciate it.

[tielfan]

I considered that light while I was shopping around for full spectrum lighting. I ended up going with the Feather Brite light - see FeatherBrite Company - Specialized Bird Cage Lighting and Supplies. It wasn't because I thought the quality was any better, it was because the cage-top arrangement worked better for me than a floor lamp would. If I used a floor lamp I'm sure it would get knocked over on a regular basis!

You have to be careful with full spectrum lighting - excessive use can cause cataracts and I've even heard of birds whose eyelids were burned by the light. My birds get most of their Vitamin D from dietary sources, and I mainly use the light on cloudy days when I'll turn it on for two or three hours. The bird room has big windows facing south and west so there's plenty of light most of the time. The glass screens out most of the UV of course.

There's a lot of information about FS and birds at Birds and Lighting General Index I think the articles at Using Full Spectrum Lighting and The Ultraviolet Myth are particularly useful.

[ccg]

Some of us can never take our birds outside, or maybe only for 1-2 months a year tops because winter and cold weather.