Benefits of Full Spectrum Lighting
Full Spectrum lighting has been shown to be beneficial to birds by
mimicking a bird's natural environment. Breeder aviaries, exotic bird
collections and poultry production farms were some of the original
places that full spectrum lighting was used and observed to
demonstrate a definite positive effect.
One of the greatest benefits of full spectrum lighting is the natural
synthesis of Vitamin D precursors allowing the animal to naturally
regulate calcium uptake. Another important benefit of full spectrum
lighting is the effect it has on the glandular system; the Thyroid
Gland controls how and when the other glands function and for it to
function properly, it needs to be stimulated by normal photoperiods of
full spectrum light. The Hypothalamus is involved in proper feather
development and skin. The Pineal Gland controls the cyclical process
such as molting and the reproductive cycle. Birds have four color
vision and the lower wavelength (UVA) adds the fourth visual
perspective. Correct spectrum and photoperiod of light are also critical
factors in normal preening as well as the skin and feather health of
birds. If a bird's system is not stimulated through adequate
environmental lighting to maintain proper endocrine function, it may
become lethargic and not continue normal preening behaviors. A full
spectrum bulb with a CRI (color rendering index) of 90 or higher
contains enough UVA to achieve this. It is middle ultraviolet light
(UVB) that causes Vitamin synthesis in the skin. Most professionals
agree that the UVB needs to be somewhere between 290 and 310
nanometers in wavelength and a color temperature of 5000 Kelvin for
this to occur.
*Glass windows filter out up to 90% of the beneficial UV spectrum
unless that glass was made pre 1939. Aluminum screening used can
filter out 30% or more UV light. High-grade acrylic (cages) filters out
less that 5% of the UV light.
Please keep in mind that this lighting should be used during the
brightest daytime hours. It is recommended that you use a timer so
that the light goes on and off at specific times each day.
We recommend that you consult with your veterinarian for specific
hours of use for your particular kind of bird.
THIS IS FROM AN ARTICLE FROM www.BIRD CHANNEL.com
written by Jessica Pineda that explains in further detail how
UVB works for our pet birds.
UVB light is essential for humans, as it makes vitamin D in the skin.
This helps absorb calcium and other minerals for healthy bone
development. First however, it must go to our livers and then to our
kidneys, changed into dihydroxy vitamin D or vitamin D3 during the
process.
Birds’ skin is protected by feathers, so how do they get their vitamin
D? Dr. Greg Burkett, DVM, of the Birdie Boutique in North Carolina said
it has to do with a bird’s preening gland. “Birds have a unique way of
producing vitamin D3. The oil for the preen gland contains a precursor
to the vitamin. Birds spread the oil containing these precursors over
the feathers. The precursor is activated and transformed into vitamin
D3 by UVB light. When birds preen, they ingest the vitamin D3.
What about the birds that do not have a preening gland (like
Amazons)? “Birds that do not have a preen gland can convert the
precursor in the exposed skin of the feet, legs and face,” Burkett said.
Vitamin-D deficiencies can take years before they show any symptoms
in birds and in humans.
Product Detail
FeatherBrite lights are designed with your pet bird's health and
safety in mind.
* The light shade is handcrafted using aluminum.
* A durable, non-toxic powder coat is used.
* The built-in light diffuser distributes the light evenly throughout the
cage.
* A stainless steel safety wire extender is attached to hold the
electrical cord a safe distance from the cage.
* The cage attachment is stainless steel, lighter and makes the light
much easier to attach to almost every style cage including cages with
flat, dome, Victorian and play tops. Just attach the legs to the light,
front to back or left to right, depending on your cage. Push the large
loop through the cage bars are shown and that's it!
* Super easy to clean !
* Super easy to change bulb !
* The loops can be used for hanging swings, toys, treats, etc.
Our light measures 8x11 inches wide with the wire cage attachment on
and 10 inches high. The wire extender is 12 inches in length. The
electric cord is 8 feet long. The entire unit weighs approximately 2
pounds.
The new light attachment may be adjusted slightly inward or outward
for a secure fit. Fits most cages, Kings, A & E, Avian Adventure, etc.
Will fit Victorian, Flat top, Dome top, play top cages with removable
tray.
All lights include our FeatherBrite full spectrum bulb.
THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE. A wire extender is provided to
keep the electrical cord a safe distance from the cage and your bird.
Please be certain that your bird cannot reach the cord. If you allow
your pet to come out of the cage to play, unplug and remove the light
from the cage. Do not allow them to play with the bulb or with the
electrical cord. FeatherBrite and Bastrop Cages is not responsible for
any damages if these directions are not followed.