Is full spectrum lighting only for breeding birds?

[Harley2013]

So bottom line.....there really is no scientific finding of the true benefits of FS lighting. Interesting. You would think that with all the avian specialists, breeders, hobbyists, etc, that there would be of a more definite finding.

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Bottom line = lifespan. Compare how long birds live for those who provide full spectrum lighting and a natural daylight cycle - and those who don't. Bob

[debbie276]

I thought it was pretty well documented how light is important to our birds well being.

This is just one of many articles written about the benefits of lighting.
http://confluence.mickaboo.org/download ... ummary.pdf

Yet standard home lighting is inadequate for several reasons. It is far too dim, has poor color spectrum, is often too red, has little-to-no ultraviolet, and is usually placed too low to effectively illuminate a bird's environment. These deficiencies can lead to health and behavior problems such as lethargy (inadequate brightness to fully trigger wakefulness), poor appetite (food may not "look right"), phobias (difficulty identifying objects and detecting dangers), and aggression (cannot recognizing flock mates), stress (from color imbalance), and reproductive behavior (too much red light indicating breeding season).

Moreover, birds actually have extraocular photoreception, meaning that they are affected by light in ways other than through their eyes (vision). Birds have two glands: the harderian gland and the pineal gland, which respond to light and are, thereby, thought to control things like migration/molting, reproduction, and sleep cycles. And, their visual acuity is superior; avian photoreceptors are 8 times denser than the human eye, allowing them to focus on the entire field of view, all at once.

[lovezebs]

Thank you Debbie,
I enjoyed reading that, even though I already have special lighting on my baby boys.

[DCbeachboy]

Harley -- it seems you may be confusing full-spectrum with UV lighting. The two aren't necessarily the same thing. Debbie's absolutely right -- the benefits of full-spectrum lighting that's as close as possible to natural sunlight seem quite well-established, from what I've seen.

As far as I'm aware, however, the benefits of UV lighting specifically have never been fully documented -- due to fact there are just so many variables at play it would be nearly impossible to isolate and confirm those benefits, once and for all. So that debate seems still open, for reasons already outlined. Has anyone seen anything at all that puts the UV question to rest?

[RC Cordon Bleu lover]

[quote="debbie276"]From the Finch Information Center:
http://www.finchinfo.com/housing/import ... ghting.php
Not all bulbs that claim to be full spectrum are equally desirable. First, be sure that you are purchasing a "full spectrum" fluorescent bulb and not a "broad spectrum" one (broad spectrum bulbs are suitable for plants, not birds). Second, note that fluorescent bulb output is measured by several different methods, including Color Rendering Index (CRI), Color Temperature, and brightness in Lumens.
...bulbs with CRI values of 98 and above are most desirable.
Noonday sunlight has a color temperature of 5250 K, so look for a bulb that has a similar color temperature.

Debbie, this is such important information. I read this on the internet. I had to read it several times to make sure I got it . You put it in such easy to understand words. I only have a PetSmart Full Spectrum daily light. Where can I find a light with a CRI of 98 and a temp of 5250 K?
I always enjoy your answers. Thanks. RC

[debbie276]

You should be able to find a suitable bulb in any pet store, even Walmart, lowes or home depot. You'll just have to look on the label to be sure it's what you want.
I think Lowes has a SYLVANIA bulb that is 90 CRI and about 5000K

good luck

[RC Cordon Bleu lover]

[quote="debbie276"]You should be able to find a suitable bulb in any pet store, even Walmart, lowes or home depot. You'll just have to look on the label to be sure it's what you want.
I think Lowes has a SYLVANIA bulb that is 90 CRI and about 5000K

Thank you Debbie.