Full Spectrum Lighting: Click on titles below for more information.
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For birds from arid regions (ie. African Greys) that receive significant sunlight exposure, position the bulb so that it is 12" above your bird when sitting on the highest perch. For birds that receive less sunlight in nature, the bulb can be positioned 18" above the bird when sitting on the highest perch.
DO NOT position the bulb where the bird will have to look into the bulb to look out of the cage. The bulb should be above the bird at all times.
We carry the Zoo Med lamps and bulbs, plus the Vita-Lite bulbs that you can use in any regular light fixture.
Why Use Full Spectrum Lighting for Birds?
The core of our full spectrum light for birds revolves around a very special source of light. The Vita-Lite bulb, and the AvianSun bulb emits light that is very close to that of natural sunlight.
Sunlight and artificial sources of light are measured by color temperature and rendering. If you were to consider the intensity of the sun at noon daylight, it is about 5500 degrees Kelvin (K).
Natural light not only provides warmth, but brings out the intensity of colors in a way that artificial fluorescent lighting rarely mimics. The Vita-Lite 20 watt bulb emits the same color temperature as the sun at high noon.
Natural daylight is also measured at a color rendering index (CRI) of 100, which shows the vibrant and intensity of colors in and around our environment. Our full spectrum light for birds, the Vita-Lite bulbs, have a CRI of 80, and will bring out colors in your bird's feathers that you may not have even known existed while using a standard fluorescent cage light.
What's the difference between full spectrum and standard fluorescent lamps?
Our full spectrum fluorescent light emits light in all parts of the visual spectrum and some in the ultraviolet range (short-wavelength, high-energy light). To be a full spectrum bulb, the color temperature must be 5000K or greater, and the CRI must be at least 88.
A standard fluorescent bulb generally only has a CRI of between 60 and 75, which means the intensity of the source of light is much lower, the temperature is cooler, and there is a noticeable difference or dulling of colors when objects are placed under a standard bulb.
What are the benefits of our Full Spectrum Light for Birds?
FULL SPECTRUM LIGHTING has been shown to be beneficial to birds by mimicking a bird's natural environment. Breeder aviaries, exotic bird collections and poultry production farms were some of the original places that full spectrum lighting was used and observed to demonstrate a definite positive effect.
One of the greatest benefits of our full spectrum light for birds is the natural synthesis of Vitamin D precursors allowing the animal to naturally regulate calcium uptake.
Another important benefit of full spectrum lighting is the effect it has on the glandular system; the Thyroid Gland controls how and when the other glands function and for it to function properly, it needs to be stimulated by normal photo periods of full-spectrum light. The Hypothalamus is involved in proper feather development and skin. The Pineal Gland controls the cyclical processes such as molting and the reproductive cycle.
Birds have four-color vision and the lower wavelength ultraviolet (UVA) adds the fourth visual perspective. Correct spectrum and photo period of light are also critical factors in normal preening as well as the skin and feather health of birds. If a bird's system is not stimulated through adequate environmental lighting to maintain proper endocrine function, it may become lethargic and not continue normal preening behaviors.
A full spectrum light for birds with a CRI (color rendering index) of 88 or higher contains enough UVA to achieve this. It is middle ultraviolet light (UVB) that causes Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Most professionals agree that the UVB needs to be somewhere between 290 and 310 nanometers in wavelength and a color temperature of 5000 Kelvin for this to occur.
*Glass windows filter out up to 90% of the beneficial UV spectrum unless that glass was made pre 1939. Aluminum screening used can filter out 30% or more UV light. High-grade acrylic (cages) filters out less than 5% of the UV light.
Our full spectrum light for birds can provide these important benefits.
These bulbs cannot be used with dimmer controls. Recommended light time length is 2 to 8 hours per day and a timer can be used. Please consult your veterinarian regarding proper light time for your companion bird. Our lights are designed with your bird's health and well being in mind.
What are the benefits to my bird?
The Vita-Lite bulbs are comparable to bulbs used in forms of light therapy for those suffering from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and sleep disorders. Our full spectrum light for birds can help reestablish the body's natural rhythm, which controls things like timing of sleep, hormone production, body temperature, and other biological functions. These are the same effects the Vita-Lite bulbs can have on a bird.
Some Major Benefits
* Prepares bird for seasonal changes
* Encourages breeding behaviors
* Strengthens immune system
* Lowers obsessive/compulsive behavior frequencies
* Relieves psychological distress
* Mimics a bird's natural environment
* Aids in Vitamin D Synthesis
* Maintains constant environmental temperature
* Aids a bird's visual acuity
* Increases the longevity of the captive bird
Full Spectrum light for birds is for you too!
Our full spectrum light for birds is also healthy for you! Humans also need the benefits of sun light for optimum health and well being.
How much sun light do you get? Could you use some full spectrum lighting to help you in the same way your birds need help?
Quantity Discounts apply!
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