New Setup Questions -- Cage Quality, Lighting and Covers

[nixity]

You can then buy an automatic timer like this
http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home ... timer.html
plug your light in and save a lot of money

50 maybe 150

I have two just like that one!

[franny]

You got lots of good information here. So I'll just mention that I have a north facing patio door in my apartment, so my birds have an 18" flourescent light over the cage. I agree that the full spectrum is probably not doing any real good. And if I was a bird I wouldn't want a light glaring at me from 2" away. My light is raised about 2 inches from the top of the cage, about 6 inches from the actual top perches. I even have some silk plants under part of the light, to give the affect of dappled sunlight. It's on a timer to give them about 14 hours of light.

My cage is also within the glow of my TV, and I never cover the cage. I turn the light on under the stove hood, to use as a night light. Never had night frights yet. And the birds go to roost as soon as the overhead light goes out, whether or not my tv is on. As long as I don't walk too close to the cage after the overhead light goes off, they sleep pretty soundly. So I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. The covering of the cage would be more upsetting to them I would think.

I think the shelf is not necessary, and a bit big. More flying room is more important.

Welcome to the forum. Looking forward to pics of your setup when done.