UV lighting

[Jsef37]

I'm bringing home my first macaw in a couple of months, and have been trying to research exactly how to provide the best possible environment. I've come across a lot of conflicting information regarding UV light requirements. Do macaws require UV lighting to stay their healthiest? Or does it not really make a difference? I have no problem getting one if it's recommended, I just want to be sure I'm doing the right thing!
Thanks in advance for any information you can give!

[molinash19350]

Hello,

For a Macaw, you should most likely get a UV light.
The UV light can help the Macaw get some vitamins in the skin,
Specifically Vitam D3.

[Pajarita]

Sorry but I disagree 100%. What you should get is a good quality (CRI 93+ and K temp of 5000) full spectrum light and put it in the ceiling fixture. Let me explain why. It is true that birds see in UV and, for that alone, you should provide it (birds are the most vision-dependent of all the vertebrates) but the full spectrum does along with a wider range of wavelengths. The only way that UV light allows them to produce their own vit D3 is if you put too close to the cage (in those clamp lights they sell) and that burns their corneas (I know of three birds that went blind because of this mistake) and can even burn their skin, especially the macaws that have no feathers on their faces. Putting an UV farther than that will not work at all so you would still need to supplement it (which is what I recommend).