Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

For questions about finch enclosures (cages & aviaries).
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Ontariomama
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Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by Ontariomama » Wed Aug 19, 2015 5:47 pm

Is it the same as full spectrum fluorescent bulbs I see in the local Lowes or Home Depot for plants?

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Sally
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Re: Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by Sally » Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:20 am

Bulbs that are in the best range for our birds are hard to find. The ideal fluorescent bulb is in the kelvin range of 5000 to 5700, and with a cri of at least 92-93 or as high as you can find them. Barring this, usually the bulbs marketed as daylight or sunshine will work, but don't count on any of these bulbs to provide the proper vitamin D3. For that, I would either supplement with a vitamin that contains D3 (actually, they all do these days) or feed homemade egg food on a daily basis.

When you have a bulb that offers 5000 to 5700k and cri of at least 92-93, it helps the birds see proper colors. Since birds use color to choose mates, the cri is very important for true color.
3 Purple Grenadiers, 1 Goldbreast + 1 cat.

National Finch & Softbill Society - http://www.nfss.org

dunker817
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Re: Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by dunker817 » Thu Aug 20, 2015 12:23 am

I bought my bulbs on Amazon.com.
Layne

One male Spanish Timbrado canary, two Grasskeets, four Cockatiels, and two Cairn Terriers.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
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lovezebs
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Re: Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by lovezebs » Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:20 am

Ontariomama

Some better Pet Shops carry bulbs specifically for birds.

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Linnies~ Canaries ~ Zebras ~ Societies ~ Gouldians ~ Orange Cheeks ~ Shaft Tails ~ Strawberries ~ Red Cheek Cordon Bleu ~ Goldbreasts ~ Red Brows ~ Owls ~ Budgies ~ Diamond Firetails ~ Javas ~ Forbes Parrot Finches ~

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Fluffy
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Re: Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by Fluffy » Thu Aug 20, 2015 7:44 am

My birds: 3 cherry finches, 2 society finches, 2 budgies and 1 quail.

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LadyGMom
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Re: Where do I purchase UVA UVB lighting?

Post by LadyGMom » Thu Aug 20, 2015 8:33 am

I use Arcadia reflector strips and florescent bulbs in them, the reflector helps get the most out of the bulbs. I also use these for my Reptiles over the years and they have proven themselves.
7 Uromastyx
2 Chuckwalla's
1 Fat Tail Gecko
1 Panther Chameleon
1 Jeweled Lacerta Male
2 Collared Lizards
10 Lady Gouldians
1 Red Factor Canary
2 Cut Throat Finches
1 Rosie Bourke
3 Chihuahua's
1 Shih Tzu
6 Mudskippers

Looking for a Pair of Cordon Bleu's and a Pair or more of Java finches.

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