Full Spectrum Lighting

[sean]

Does anyone here have experience setting up a full spectrum lighting system for their finch cages or aviary?
If so, how did you set things up and where did you purchase the supplies?
I was thinking about buying a screw in, 20W full spectrum light bulb (similar in appearance to the spiral shaped, "green," flourescent lights) and merely using them in a conventional lamp i have next to my flight cage.
If anybody could offer some advice or suggestions I would be very appreciative.

[atarasi]

Use the search button Luke!
There are several threads regarding this.

[FeatherHarp]

Hello Sean...Welcome!

Here is a link to some posts that talk about Full Spectrum Lighting and opinions about lighting and what people use. Hope this helps some!

------->>>>Full Spectrum Lighting Posts

[rottielover]

I would also advise to choose carefully. I just attended a local bird fair where our local Avain vet (the vet I take my birds too) presented some case studies where there are certain brands of light bulbs that are NOT puttig out "full spectrum" light, but rather too much UV light!!!

There have been several cases of parrots going blind and even getting "sun burned".

So be careful when choosing your lighting system!

[NDan]

I guess my question would be which brands have too much UV or how do you tell which would be bad for the birds?
... other than trusting the labels on the bulbs.

[Lloyd]

Good Luck figuring it all out. I did some research on it online and looked at products in the store and gave up. All you can do is try to go by the various claims made and trust your gut. I ended up getting some "full spectrum" lights ment for reptiles (details in another post on lighting). The do output UV...whether too much, I hope not. It'd be nice to know what brands the vet was talking about.

[Jonw]

I've used a simple 18" fluorescent fixture with a full spectrum bulb for about 10 years now. they last a long time, don't get hot, and you can put them on a timer.

[BillD]

I'm very interested in this too, since I'm building a larger aviary. Lloyd inspired me.
My current cage is in a room that faces NorthEast and does get Morning sun. The window blinds are open enough to let them see outside.
That's the room my felines always went to in the morning. They have been denied access till I can work all this out. They tell me each morning how upset they are.
I am designing a larger aviary that will allow my felines access to the room, but have no chance of any contact with the birds.
Would appreciate any brand suggestions on what lighting has worked for you.