Introducing full spectrum lighting?

[LMPego]

My full spectrum floor lamp is due to arrive today. I plan on putting it in between the bird cages (after desensitizing Cory to its presence...) How should I start using it? Should I just leave it on all day or should I increase the light daily to get them used to it? Right now they both have covers over the back half of their cages all the time that get folded down at night, but the covers during the day give them darkness for naps and so they can hide from each other. Should I rearrange anything? I read the lamp should be 12-18" away from the birds. Is that true?
Where is Joel?

[Lisa B]

**laffin hard** where is Joel?

[The Outlaw]

You should leave the light on at least 12 hours a day. That pretty much duplicates the natural day and night of the sun. I have mine directly over the cage with about 6" between the cage and the bird. The highest perch in the cage would then put my bird about 18" from the light.

THE OUTLAW

[LMPego]

Nancy:
Should I start with 12 hours, or do I need to let them get used to it?