Lighting vs Sunlight

[robbocop]

I have the finches located in front of a window which does not have the sun shining in directly. I do when the weather is right, open the window for them to get fresh air and hear the outside sounds. When I open the window, it is only opened about 1/2 way up the cage height so as to give them an 'out' if need be. (breezes, etc.) I do live in New England and the weather can change momentarily. I did purchase an (expensive) light, a UVB light which is on top of the cage and turned on for the most part during the day. Is this necessary? I read that the UVB would simulate the sun's rays and was importnat for calcium and egg and bone development of the birds. (Vitamin D, etc) I do have an egg based food and some HI-Cal Grit which is available to them all the time in food dishes. Am I overdoing it, or is it adequate and do I need the light on as much as I do keep it on.

Thanks

[tammieb]

Yes, you still need to have the light on. The window glass filters out the ultra violet light and without that the bird's health will suffer.

[zookeeper]

What she said.

[northernflirt]

Hi all...

Are bird lights the same as they sell for lizards or even for seeds/nurseys? And since this is something we as humans are supposed to protect ourselves from...how damgerous is it to have them in the house even if they are just shinning on the cages?

Thanks......Sandy