I have a SCREAMING Finch on my hands !

[JerseyGuy]

Do you use regular lightbulbs in an Avian Lamp ?

The cage is only half in front of a Window - but the window has blinds and a Sheer Curtain.

[debbie276]

What is the Kelvin rating of your bulb?

[JerseyGuy]

I have the Avian Sun Floor Lamp with the Avian Sun 5.0 UVA/UVB CFL. The Kelvin Rating is not listed or mentioned in any of the instructions and paperwork for the Lamp or the Bulb.

[Tweet]

I cover about 1/4, or a little less, of a corner of my flight cage so they can get out of the light if they want to. That covered corner is set up with greenery and a swing and perch and it's the sleeping area at night and naps during the day.

[Sally]

I have the Avian Sun Floor Lamp with the Avian Sun 5.0 UVA/UVB CFL. The Kelvin Rating is not listed or mentioned in any of the instructions and paperwork for the Lamp or the Bulb.

I have the same bulb on a floor lamp that was given to me. I contacted Zoo Med, the manufacturer, to see if they could give these ratings. I was quite surprised at the reply:

"The CRI of the Avian Sun bulb is 88 and the Color temperature 6800K."

That is not the range that is recommended in many of the articles I've read, which would be a Kelvin of 5000-5500 and a cri in the 90's (the higher the better).

[JerseyGuy]

So, what are you saying here Sally ?

The bulb is not sufficient light ?

[Sally]

It is great to have cages in front of a window. I notice with my birds that the ones in front of a window spend much time looking out those windows. However, I've read that modern glass is designed to filter out the UV rays that our birds need, so we can't rely on sunlight coming through window glass to supply them with UV light. However, I would think that if the window is open, and sunlight can come through, that would be beneficial. My house is designed to keep out as much sun as possible during summer, but sun comes into the house during winter, so I should open windows as much as possible, not only for the fresh air but for the sun that can reach some of the cages.

[Sally]

So, what are you saying here Sally ?

The bulb is not sufficient light ?

I now have to wonder about that bulb. It has a higher Kelvin rating than is recommended, but it does supply the UVB that normal daylight bulbs don't have. I think as long as it is not too close to the birds, it should still be OK.

[JerseyGuy]

Well, the instructions say to keep the bulb between 12-14 inches from the top of the bird. Perhaps that was to close to my Freddie....and that's why he was chirping so loudly non-stop.
I don't know. I just know that when I turned off the light,
he stopped.

Today the light is on but the distance is probably about 20-24 inches
away from the top of his head on the perch.

[debbie276]

Here is a couple great articles about lighting that may help you understand lighting for your birds. I would think the Kelvin is too high.

https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf

http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56

[lovezebs]

JerseyGuy

Are they still in a panic with the light further away?

[JerseyGuy]

No - but I had to turn the Light off entirely. Freddie was still 'chirping loudly' with the light 20-24" above his head.

Turn the light off, he stops. He does not like the Avian lamp at all.

[lovezebs]

JerseyGuy

Well Patrick.... what can I say?
Do you still have the box and the receipt???

[JerseyGuy]

Today .... The light is on ..... but it is a good 18-20" above the cage.
Freddy does not appear to now be bothered by it. The heat may have
been bothering him, so I have increased the distance from the cage.
So far, So good.

[lovezebs]

JerseyGuy

Good luck