Canaries and UVA-UVB light

[Breeder]

I heard that parrots need exposure to sunlight for getting their vitamin and help them for breeding. Is this true for canaries too? I am trying buy a pair of canaries and need to know that because i will have them in a not good place for exposure to direct sunlight.

[CanaryLover]

Canaries do need full spectrum lighting to recieve vitiamin D and other helpful things from the sun. But just moving them to a window with direct sunshine won't do the job. The window blocks out the UVA and UVB or whatever it is that the natural sunlight provides. You need to get a full spectrum lights for this. I have searched the web and found that Drs. Fosters and Smith seem to have the best prices on them. Sunshine is very important to their health.

[Breeder]

Ok, so i need to buy a uva-uvb fluorescent. just want to make sure, thanks buddy

[chapala]

Ideally during good weather (above 60 degrees), we can get our birds outdoors in a cage or aviary for natural sunlight at least once a week. That ensures that their bodies can get Vit. D3 which is essential for Calcium utilization.

[Breeder]

But having a technical sunlight will do the job, right?

[CanaryLover]

Outside is best, but when that is not available then an aviary full spectrum light is the next best thing.

[Breeder]

Hmmm, ok. Because i have a small problem with cats. I propably must buy a dog for keeping an eye on my birds

[christie99]

A dog is just as dangerous. They only need about 15 - 30 minutes, so sit outside with them.

[BirdBrainNana]

My Canary has lost most of her feathers on her head, cheeks and a band around her neck. The Vet says it is a metabolic problem and has not gotten better with speacial diet and supplements. Do you suppose that getting her outside once a week would help. We are already into the high 70's and low 80's here in Memphis. Anybody else ever had this problem with their little song birds??

[Lori~D]

UV lights have become a controversial subject in the fact that if you dont get the right light your wasting your money. Apparently most of the lights claiming to support Uv have been tested to find out the benefits just arent there unless your about two inches from the bulb,lol. Importance of reading the labels and learning more about UV before you purchase. I take my birds outside as often as possible in the warmer months.