Sunlight deficiency - how to prevent ?

[sidech]

I know, giving vitamins would solve the problem. But you can't give Eclectus artificial vitamins, it induces neurological problems such as toe tapping and wing flipping. So no vitamins for Jazz.

Sunlight deficiency has this effect on male Eclectus : it makes their beak go from corn yellow to black... so you can't miss it if you Eckie is lacking sunlight. So, I noticed Jazz's beak is starting to slighty turn black, and it's very possible, since it is so d.. freezing around here that of course, he never goes outside ! (it was -40 celcius today). And he's not about to set foot outside either, I don't think, not in this kind of cold.

Some people are advising me to take him outside for 5-10 minutes a day, saying that he would tolerate the cold. I have a very hard time believing this. Should I try that, or rather buy some king of full spectrum lighting device ?

Thanks !

[zazanomore]

I can hardly stand the cold out, I don't think birds native from Australia would like it. Does your cage have wheels? Maybe you can move him next to the window for a few hours each day. I always try to make sure that the birds have some window time. I wouldn't keep them next to the window 24/7, as it can get pretty chilly.

[born2fly]

5-10min in -40C I don't think so.

Window time is good as long as the glass is not one of those energy efficient UV blocking one

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Window glass actually blocks a lot of the spectrum at both the short (UV) and long (IR) end, it just isn't the same. Full-spectrum light is the best answer, as far as I can tell, except actually being out in the sun for a couple of hours every day. 5-10 minutes does not sound like enough exposure to make much difference. We keep full spectrum bulbs on a timer for both birds, about 6 hours a day.

I can't see that vitamins per se would cause neurological problems -- a vitamin is a vitamin -- it must be that they are sensitive to incorrect supplementation, but I suppose that's splitting a hair. But vitamin supplements are problematic anyway, the water goes off really fast, and it is generally recommended for any bird to use them only if a vet prescribes them. You could try for food sources, but the whole dynamic of healthy light exposure is I think more complex than just adding this and that, so I think for birds that don't get honest exposure to unfiltered sun using avain balanced artificial lighting is a really good thing to do.

[Michael]

I heard that 5-10 minutes of direct sunlight a day is all they need. However, with windows, full spectrum bulbs, etc. none of it is as concentrated as the sun so you may need a lot more or it may be ineffective at all.

Obviously taking them outside in those kinds of temps is absurd. 5-10 minutes in winter still presumes over freezing I think and it still isn't worth it. My birds don't go outside in sub 40F weather. I have 3 full spectrum bulbs on for 12 hours a day at a distance of about 3-5ft from the bird. So either it works a little slowly or not at all if it doesn't meet a minimum intensity threshold if such is required.

[footfoot]

I keep a low wattage uva/b bulb on him all day. I understand this is quite important for their wellbeing.

[sidech]

I correct myself : vitamin D3 are ok to give. I found some notes an Eclectus breeder of great knowledge gave me, and she gives it to her birds in winter. I'm going to buy some tomorrow.