Don't gimme no sunshine...

[smallonion]

I am afraid that I am not meeting one of Humphrey's needs - sunshine. In our new flat the sun really doesn't come in. I'd have to put his cage on the windowsill sometimes. Should I do that? And should I provide a shady spot so he can move out of the sun if he wants? How much sun does a parrot need?
Humphrey won't step up (he is starting to learn, though, so once he does, we can get a travel cage and sit in the garden with him. But for now?)
Thanks,

Michele and Humphrey

[Joel]

Hi Michele, surprised you are asking this question as we have talked about BOTH natural sunshine and F.S. lighting many times now already.

Yes, all birds need adequate natural direct bright yellow sunshine every day if possible and if not then the proper indoor F.S. lighting. Key word there is (((((PROPER)))))......... Sunshine through glass is supposed to lose a lot of it's beneficial properties so unless you can supply enough of it directly onto the body thru maybe the holes in the screen, once the glass window has been raised, then your bird is getting little to no benefit from being near the window IMO.

Carrying the bird in and out everyday can be both time consuming and stressful for the bird but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. If you do take him outside in the direct sun, make sure he can get out of the sun's rays at any moment he wants to and do not go back inside to get a drink or to the bathroom or to answer a phone etc. and leave him out there unprotected. I know you know that but I am mentioning it again for the benefit of newbies......Good luck...

[smallonion]

I guess I didn't pay attention! I'll have to search. I probably didn't pay attention because Humph had been living in a very sunny room, with the windows open lots, so I didn't need to worry. Now that I've moved, I'm worried he needs sun. I will work on providing it for him.

Thanks!
Michele and Humph