Full Spectrum Lighting

[Eurycerus]

I am getting closer to purchasing a lighting setup but had some additional questions. I would prefer a standing lamp type situation for a number of reasons and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for types of standing lights that accept avian lightbulbs, or setups that are standing lights?

These're the three brands of avian lighting I'm aware of from this forum and elsewhere.

FeatherBrite
Arcadia Aviary
Vital Lamp (which has a standing lamp)

Any ideas or suggestions?

Also as to standing lights can I switch out the avian lightbulb for a regular light bulb for evening time?

[Eurycerus]

I posted the above comment to the discussion for Mickaboo because they actually have a full class on avian lighting and it's importance. They have done a tremendous amount of research and try to stay up on all the latest. This is the response I got. This is a must read if you have avian lighting. Sounds like most of the brands are downright dangerous.

"BOTTOM LINE:

Buy the FeatherBrite if you don't want to use the fluorescent tubes.

Don't buy a bulb that has more than 0.1 percent UV-B. A bulb that emits no UV-B is fine. You don't need it, and it too much is dangerous.

The main thing you want is correct spectrum (CRI over 91 if possible) and correct temperature (5000 to 5500K).

CURRENT ARTICLE:

On this page:

http://confluence.mickaboo.org/display/ ... ading+Room

go to "Environment" then click the link for "Proper Avian Lighting" to read the current article.

Check out also the BLUE MAX bulb that we mention in the article. It's very similar to the FeatherBrite.

SUMMARY:

In a nutshell, you want a CRI of 91 or better. The bulbs we recommend are 98 CRI. All the other non-fluorescent tubes are only 93 to 91 CRI.

You want 5000 to 5500 K (or Kelvin).

You can use UV-A of 5% but NEVER EVER use a bulb that has more than .1%-that is, 1/10 of 1 percent-UV-B. More than that will hurt your bird!!!!!!

A summary of the bulbs you mentioned:

FEATHERBRITE:

Featherbrite is a safe bulb with a good temperature and an acceptable but not great CRI.

VITAL LAMP:

Which one in particular where you looking at? There are many sites that include both tube and spiral bulbs. This bulb:

http://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/products/vital-lamp

Does not tell you if it has any UV-B output, so I would not buy it. You don't need UV-B and if you don't know if it has any, then it's NOT SAFE.

ARCADIA: DO NOT BUY AND USE THIS BULB!!!!!

Arcadia Bird Lamp 18" *Fits all regular 18" fluorescent fixtures*
Unlike normal fluorescent lamps, the Arcadia Bird Lamp uses special UV emitting phosphors to replicate the spectral pattern of sunlight with 12% of the total light output emitted as UV-A and 2.4% UV-B."

[mayeendu2013]

There are many several watt for spectrum light so it is energy saving lamp.

[Lady]

Wow there is some great stuff here! If I could rate this thread it would get a top rate!

[Pajarita]

Some information is incorrect, though. Parrots need UVB.

[Navre]

I really hate any kind of CFL. They flicker, if not right away, then after a short period of time. I can see the flicker, and even if i can't the lamps give me migraines.

Are there any options for birds in incandescent or LED?

[Wolf]

Not that I am aware of. The full spectrum bulbs that are safe for your birds are also recommended to be changed out every 6 months, if that is done it may eliminate the flicker and a source of your migraines.

[liz]

I forgot all about this thread but we need to go back to the Benefits of Full Spectrum Lighting. It is more up to date.
Where did Polarn and Glass Onion go?

[Pajarita]

I believe the reason why they need to be changed every 6 months is not so much the flicker (the newer electronic ballasts are actually pretty good at eliminating it) but because the light source itself degrades and 'loses' its full 'spectrumness'.