FINCHforum

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???

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.

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.

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

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 )

debbie276 wrote: 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.