UV Light for a budgie?

[ishael]

I've been doing more and more research on budgies, and I recently looked through a Petland brochure on budgie care. I read that budgies need a UV light in order to be healthy because they can't get enough sunlight through windows (because windows filter UV rays apparently). I assumed UV lights were mostly for large birds and parrots that would be more sensitive to light... I'be never known anyone with a budgie who had a UV light. So my question to you fellow bird lovers is: do I actually need a UV light for my future 1 budgie? or is it just strongly recommended?
thanks!

[Polarn]

I'd say the most likely couse you've never seen anyone with a budgie using an UV light is, well it comes down to two reasons basically. They either doesnt spend time reading up or (and this is what I think is the most likely) an UV light costs as much as a budgie, if not more, and they need to be exchanged every year even if their still glowing.

But yeah I've always used em for any bird small or big, they all originally lives outside, do they not? Anyways I cant bring mines out every day all year around hence I ensure I atleast can provide them that. And your absolutely right that glass filters the light needed, so when choosing a fixture for your UV light, make sure to not choose one who has glass infront of the light, since that would render your light pretty much useless.

[Tro]

Yes, they do need full spectrum lighting, I beleive the UV light helps them synthesize the vitamin D they need.
The best way for them to get the light they need is by the natural sunlight I take my bird out in a little carrier bag I got him so he could go on walks with me (I'm working on harness training though). When I'm at home and my bird is in his cage I will position him infront of a open window, that way he gets fresh air and sunlight. The window has a screen in it, but I think full spectrum light can get through the screen.
I also bought a zoo med avian lamp for the really cold months when my bird can't go outside. I did research the topic and it seems to me that not very much is known about avian artificial full spectrum lighting. Some sources I came across even stated that they were bad for long term health. I plan to only use mine for a couple hours a day, which I (after much reading) beleive will be safe for my bird's health long term.

[ishael]

Thanks so much for the info! I will be getting my bird in mid-December (its finally decided, hooray!!) and I live in Canada. So for around 6 months of the year its impossible to keep a window open or take a bird outside because of the temperature. Otherwise I wouldn't really consider it...
I will see how my finances go after I get my budgie and decide then, but thanks for your input!

-edit-
ALSO! This may be a ridiculous question, but can you harness-train a budgie? Can you even get harnesses for them? I'd love to be able to take my budgie outside in nice weather... but without a cage if possible!
Thanks in advance x)

[pionus]

i was wondering the same thing about the harnesses. and, i too got my budgie in mid December! i wish he was still here...

sorry i can't help with your questions, just wanted to wish you good luck with you birdie companion!

Lily

[Eurycerus]

I believe that there is no harness small enough. That's the issue. I'm sure you could train them if one existed.

[marie83]

Harnesses aren't small enough for a budgie but I think I have seen some people use flight suits. They are only held together with velcro though so I would be worried about coming undone if it catches on something.