Full Spectrum lights

Oct 30, 2008

Full Spectrum lights for birds
by: The Vet

You should absolutely give your bird a full spectrum light. The best one is the ZooMed AvianSun Lamp. This bulb provides bother UVA and UVB light. Birds prefer bright light since they cannot see will in dim light. The UV light allows them to see all of the colors they were meant to.

Birds have cells in the eye that allows them to see in the UV spectrum. Without UV light they are considered color blind. The UV light also helps them convert a precursor in the preen oil to vitamin D3 which is the only natural source of Vitamin D3 for birds.

It is important that you follow the instructions closely. Start with the light at least 18 inches away from your bird. It can be moved closer after a week or two, but never closer than 12 inches. In my opinion, 18 inches is close enough.

They only need about 4 hours per day, so you can put it on a timer to come on and go off twice daily for a couple of hours. If too close or they stay on too long, problem can arise. I have seen a couple of cases of "sun" burn when the light was too close.

It is also thought that the UV light can damage the cornea. This is true, but the light emission in most lamps are too low and if they are kept the correct distance away, and not left on 12 hours per day, this can be avoided. I have them on all of my birds and have never experienced any of these problems.

You can purchase the ZooMed Lamps and bulbs from Tracie at her Parrot Supply Store. You can also purchase full spectrum lights that work any normal light fixtures from her too.

Dr. B

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Oct 30, 2008
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Submitted by: The Vet

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You should absolutely give your bird a full spectrum light. The best one is the ZooMed AvianSun Lamp. This bulb provides bother UVA and UVB light. Birds prefer bright light since they cannot see will in dim light. The UV light allows them to see all of the colors they were meant to. Birds have cells in the eye that allows them to see in the UV spectrum. Without UV light they are considered color blind. The UV light also helps them convert a precursor in the preen oil to vitamin D3 which is the only natural source of Vitamin D3 for birds. It is important that you follow the instructions closely. Start with the light at least 18 inches away from your bird. It can be moved closer after a week or two, but never closer than 12 inches. In my opinion, 18 inches is close enough. They only need about 4 hours per day, so you can put it on a timer to come on and go off twice daily for a couple of hours. If too close or they stay on too long, problem can arise. I have seen a couple of cases of "sun" burn when the light was too close. It is also thought that the UV light can damage the cornea. This is true, but the light emission in most lamps are too low and if they are kept the correct distance away, and not left on 12 hours per day, this can be avoided. I have them on all of my birds and have never experienced any of these problems. You can purchase the ZooMed Lamps and bulbs from Tracie at her Parrot Supply Store. You can also purchase full spectrum lights that work any normal light fixtures from her too. Dr. B

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