question about lighting for Gouldians

[Beebop]

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum
I have a pair of mated Gouldians I have had for a few months now. I have never owned that breed before. I have had in the past zebra & society finches & have raised babies with both types.
I purchased these pair from a good friend who decided to rehome due to her cats wouldn't leave them alone & she didn't want to have to keep them in another room she felt was not fair. I took them in & she will still be able to see them. Anyways they have laid in nest before a couple times but never hatched i'm assuming due to her cats. My question is when she purchased them the previous owner told her she had to have a light on them but didn't go into detail as for what reasons. I have been researching about it but only came across a little info. about it. I do have one on top there cage but I put it on a timer I do not see having to have it on all the time, its on most of the day & off during the night which I cover them up at night time. if anyone could share some info. with me on this, That would be Great.
wanting to know
1. if i do need a light ( which they are by a window but that doesnt mean there getting enough light for there health)
2. how long should light be on for
3. when i do put a nest in cage will i have to leave light on all time for babies
I'm sure there's probably more reasons so please any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

[debbie276]

The best articles I've come across to answer most lighting questions.

https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf

http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56

I've done very well with only giving them the natural light hours in NJ. They are not like canaries that need 12-14 hours of light in order to breed.

best of luck

[Beebop]

Thank you Debbie
I love the Gouldians especially there Color & the sounds they make
so all info. is appreciated.
I just didn't understand, why the light was necessary I do have them in front of a window where they get plenty of sunlight, but like I said this first time I have ever owned gouldians. I have had other smaller Birds in the past & had went down to just having my 2 African Greys, but when my friend asked if I was interested in having the gouldians I couldn't resist lol, I had been wanting to get some was just waiting for the right time & to learn more about them. I do go to different bird fairs & have asked questions about them & have learned alot just not about the light issue. Thanks again for the Info.

[Sally]

Beebop Welcome to the forum! There's lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier for members to answer questions.

You can't depend on light from a window to give them what they get from natural sunlight, since modern glass is developed to keep out UV rays. Debbie has already given you some excellent links to articles on lighting.