Light diffusers on or off ?????

[finchandlovebird]

The difusers on my cage light fixtures are always falling off. Does it make any difference????
If I keep them off, must I get sunglasses for my Gouldians???

[ac12]

I use bare CFL bulb as well as CFLs behind a sheet of plastic.
Either way does not seem to make a difference. The plastic does cut the amount of light that gets into the cage. But it also keeps the bird gunk from getting into the lamp. Periodically I have to wash the side lamps to get rid of, poop, food, splashed grime, etc. Even the lamps on TOP of the cage need to get washed.

[Sally]

I have left the diffusers off on a lot of my lamps, simply trying for more light in the cage. As Gary said, without the diffusers the bulb may get dirtier, but I've never had a big problem with it.

[debbie276]

Just a note, if you are using full spectrum bulbs the diffuser will block most of the UV benefits of full spectrum bulbs

[finchandlovebird]

Thanks !!! You guys are the greatest to answer my little questions. Sounds like it's more than ok to let the diffusers off; which I believe I'll do. (and Gary, my lights sit on top of the cages, and I don't think my birds can poop up to get them dirty )

[mayble]

Just a note, if you are using full spectrum bulbs the diffuser will block most of the UV benefits of full spectrum bulbs

This is just what I was going to add. If you're trying to give the birds the benefits of UVA and UVB rays, you'll want to remove any diffusers or covers, even clear ones.