Need suggestions for getting more light in cage

[Jasmin]

Hi all,

I need some help with getting more light in the cage.

I made my Gouldians a cage from an old armoire that I'm very happy with, and they seem to be too.

When I put it up on the bottom stand with the drawer, the cage elevated to the height of the window, and it's way too dark in there because light isn't going in near the top, where the finches like to hang out.

The sides are solid, the top is clear acrylic and the front and back are fencing/chicken wire.

Moving it or angling it is not an option.

Any sugestions on how I can get light in?

I was thinking of buying a small desk lamp and securing it to the top of the cage shining in, but I realized I'm not sure what wattage to use, or if that's even healthy for them to have a light beaming down on them...? I'm worried if it's an open bulb type, it might blind them when they look up?
I'm also fuzzy on what "full-spectrum" lighting is.

Any suggestions are welcome!

Ps I'm looking for very cost-effective ideas

Thanks in advance!

[debbie276]

How about a florescent light strip?

[Sally]

Yes, one of those inexpensive light strips for under the counter--not the kind that are hardwired, the ones with a plug. Look for a light strip for which you can find full-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These light strips don't use a lot of electricity, either. And it is OK to put them on top of an acrylic panel. On one side of my bird room, there is a vent just above a row of cages, with only about 1' between the vent and the top cages. Since it was not good to have the a/c blowing down on those cages, I laid sheets of plexiglass on top of the cages, and then set the fluorescent shop lights on top of the plexiglass. I still get all the light I need in the cages, and the birds are protected from the draft. And it is far better to have the light above the birds, rather than from the side.

[Jasmin]

Do you mean something like this?

[debbie276]

That looks like an LED light. I was thinking more along the lines of a under the counter Fluorescent Strip Light. I don't think LED has full spectrum or even daylight bulbs. Though maybe they do now, but that would be something to check before buying.

[MissEdie]

I have found them but , they are more for plants .So they are of a lesser spectrum.
They run 2700 to 5000k. You need 6500k-(Kelvin Degree) Color Temperature for birds
That's what I have found out ,researching alternative (easy on the electric bill) lighting.
Have been researching aquarium lighting(LEDs).To see what Kelvin Degrees I can find

[Sally]

For general purposes, a plain old fluorescent tube will do, one marked full spectrum or sunshine. GE makes a sunshine bulb that is 5000K 90cri that is perfectly acceptable. Unless you are into manipulating the sex of your youngsters, there really isn't a need to buy anything more specialty than that, IMO.

[MissEdie]

For general purposes, a plain old fluorescent tube will do. GE makes a 'sunshine' bulb that is 5000K 90cri that is perfectly acceptable. Unless you are into manipulating the sex of your youngsters, there really isn't a need to buy anything more specialty than that, IMO.

Cool ,I have found those,. Not trying to do anything to my babies.
Thank you

[dan78]

Yes i agree with a fluorescent lighting with a full spectrum light. Try the aquarium section of a pet store these have reflectors that help.push light down and you won't need as a strong light then.

[Jasmin]

GE makes a sunshine bulb that is 5000K 90cri that is perfectly acceptable

Great, thanks!
I'll go to home depot today and see what I can put together.
hopefully something