FINCHforum

For Gouldians - I run the full spectrum lights for 14 hours a day when they are breeding and about 12 hours a day when they are not.

My question is about the Red Spotlight (mostly for heat and as a nightlight) - do you run this 24 hours a day, every day? Or only when they are moulting? Or only when one or more get sick (fluffed)?

Thank you!

I just purchased one and do leave it on all the time now...with it being so cold here in MN lately I want to make sure they can get to the heat if they need it. We have an older farmhouse and it can get drafty now and then. Another reason I like having the vinyl sheeting around three sides of the cage...it helps reduce drafts.

I think others have it on all the time reasoning if they need a little extra heat now and then they have it. And others only use it now and then.

Okay - thanks DJ.

Do either of you keep your birds outside? I have thought about doing an outdoor aviary.

hilljack13 wrote:Do either of you keep your birds outside? I have thought about doing an outdoor aviary.

No, my weather conditions are too extreme at minus 21C tonight for any outdoor aviaries.

Do you use any red spotlights?

I feel like I'm playing 'go fish'.

Its always warm down here..(sorta) I don't use any heat lamps at all. I have a full spec. light in the celing fan I use.

L, I use the red spotlight in winter and for my hospital cage. When I do use it I leave it on all the time.

I have 2 outdoor aviaries which I keep my other more hardened finches which I obviously do not use the red spotlight in. I have found that the drafts is the biggest problem not so much the cold. Although I think -21C will kill any finch and owner if outside.

I leave the red spot lights on 24 hours a day for my birds as well. I use it for a source of heat and a night light as well.

Thanks for all the replies. I've just about got this figured out. Just to be sure and for clarity - one last Q:

When you have the red spot lights on 24/7 is that for outside aviaries or inside your homes / birdrooms as well?

I HAD an outdoor aviary it was 12 feet long 8 wide 8 high plus had a 12 ft x 4 ft interior room I had PARAKEETS in the year round NEVER FINCHES< and ALWAYS had a red heat lamp they could get under if need be, 24/7
I use red heat lamps in my bird room 1 on EACH gouldian cage so IF they get sick or chilled they have access 24/7 yr round,
it makes a great night light and prevents night fright also,
Then I have 1 thats just there to hook on any cage that may need it in a pinch,

Fancie Flight....can you tell me how long the infrared bulbs last for you...on average?

LOL well ok HONESTLY My name truly fits me cause I dont think I have ever had one burn out yet, lol NORMALLY about every 4 months 5 months 6 months I break them while cleaning cages, lol but I have one now I bought 5 weeks ago after YEP BREAKING ANOTHER one and I will let you know soon as it burns out, or breaks, lol

FF.....LOL... I will have to be careful with my "ONE" bulb then...

Thanks FancieFlight and everyone for the great info! I'll be trying to get some of these this weekend.

FH you should be fine unless like me your name happens to be Gracie, lol
My husband says it fits me well as Im err not always so graceful, lol

your welcome, always fun to share info with everyone and learn so much new stuff.