I read through the latest thread on full spectrum lighting, and hate to bring it up again considering it got a little heated... But, my issue wasn't mentioned and can't find any info on it! I own two of the featherbrite cage top lights for my macaws. My issue is that since my husband and i are home all day long our birds are out of their cages all day long. The ONLY time they are in their cages is when we are both out, which is extremely rare, and at night.

So my question is....what is more beneficial....6 hours of full spectrum lighting in their cage....or having out time of the cages since it's available?? I know their is no solid answer here, just trying to get some opinions. I thought about getting a hanging light for above their play stands but I am afraid that they would fly up to it. Thoughts?

Andrea I have never used this type of lighting, but a floor stand might be an option that might appeal to you, if they're out of their cages for a good portion of the day.

The new AvianSun™ Deluxe Floor Lamp from Zoo Med allows bird keepers to provide their birds with true full spectrum light, including UVB and UVA, just like they get in nature!

This floor lamp is designed for use with Zoo Med's new AvianSun™ 5.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Bulb. This unique lighting arrangement will provide birds with safe levels of beneficial UVB and UVA for physical and psychological health. UVB enables birds to synthesize vitamin D3 for proper calcium metabolism which is necessary for normal growth, maintenance of strong bones, and egg production. UVA is visible to birds, enabling them to recognize mates, locate food, and identify different species. Without UVA, birds are essentially colorblind!

The floor lamp is fully adjustable, and includes a built in reflector for maximum light output.
http://theperchstore.net/zoomedavsund.html

Replacement bulb for Zoo Med AvianSun Lamo.
http://theperchstore.net/zoomedavcofl.html

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That is a good question! IMO the answer is both! I think they still should have the benefit of some F/S lighting, and Karen's idea may be more workable if they are flighted and hanging the light over their play stand won't do. If it were up to me, I think I'd use a 4 foot hanging fixture and figure out some way to guard it. You can buy sheets of the plastic material they use for lenses under fluorescent lights in a suspended ceiling, for instance. That would protect the bulbs, and protect the birds from the bulbs. If you're worried about them perching on it, I doubt they'd find it that attractive a perch. Mine have never shown the slightest interest in perching on the light fixture.

While were on this topic again, I have a question. I had read somewhere that the tubes should be replaced every six months. Thoughts?

from six months to a year they lose their effectiveness.

Is lighting nessesary for me? I live in South Africa we have 9 months of summer, by birds are out the cage all day and often put outside in the aviary to have natural sunlight.

Uh Oh I'm a little late!

Do we know why or how? I'd like to check into this for facts please; guess I'm one of those look at the data for yourself type of gals. Do you have a source for that by any chance?

The only things I can think of that would make a bulb go bad would be if the CRI or Color temperature changed.... those are the two things of vitimin importance with the lights.

Every 2 yrs. from what I have read, regarding the research done.

the reading I have done stated pretty much that the UV A lasts pretty much as long as the light still turns on. The UV B effectiveness is what wears out fairly quickly.