It's no one's fault but my own - I thought they'd do as they are full spectrum. Until now, no one has said a thing.
Thanks - that's a relief - it probably does have something to do with their feather condition!

You're obviously carrying a great line - so for the 2 Macaws, I say thanks. & for my guys - they will say thanks today.

It's really not, Jac. Outside of the professional lighting and university community, only a handful of us are talking about this matter--and most of the conversation does not happen in the bird groups.

When we think of Ott, we think of full spectrum because he coined the concept. His ideas were sold to Duro Test, who used them to make the original Vita-Lite. He later sold the use of his name only to two other companies that made lighting--and only one is still in business--and is not on a track where John's research said full spectrum lighting should go. But how many people are going to know this?

Consider the findings of this report on "full spectrum" produced by the National Lighting Product Information Program [NLPIP], a research arm of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—one of the most prestigious engineering and technical colleges in the world. What they have to say about this matter encompasses their original research, and at least 20 recognized research papers on the subject:

Introduction | Full-Spectrum Light Sources | Lighting Answers | NLPIP


Or what is happening with newer high UVB lamps with other species. These same lamps are relabeled for bird use:

UV Lighting for Reptiles: A new problem with high UVB output fluorescent compact lamps and tubes?

There are no standards for calling something full spectrum in the US--unlike in Europe. I can paint a regular light bulb blue and call it full spectrum--even though it's not--and there is no law against it. Ahhh too late, there are already companies doing that...

Patrick, what are your recommendations regarding photoperiod? I don't use your fixtures, but just ordered two sets of SpectraBird 48" tubes for my existing electronic ballast fixtures. Currently, my timers are set to go on at 8AM and go off at 4PM. Other than adjusting for time changes, I keep that 8 hours constant throughout the year. I've read conflicting advice on how long full spectrum lights should be on, ranging from 4 hours per day to 8 hours per day. I'm located in northern Maine, and my birds receive very little ambient sunlight through house windows.

Thanks for your time, and for all the work you've done researching and collecting information on avian lighting requirements. Not to mention getting your company up and running. I know what an incredible investment in time, effort and money that must be!

I thank you as well - the reading is very good & this FS debacle is very confusing. I hope to absorb the info correctly & retain it.

Thanks for sharing your experiences so far with your new lighting Karen. What is the CRI# and the K-rating of your new Spectrabird tubes?

I have pretty much decided to give them a try myself, over the same cage(s) I am currently using the Philips F32T8TL950. I am anxious to see for myself if there will be any differences in my own bird's eating habits, feather condition or playfulness with their toys etc........ Even though my cost for the Spectrabird tubes will be much more than what I could get the TL950s for (by buying a box of 25 at a time), it will be worth it if it truly benefits my flock members.

Patrick ............. Thanks once again for all the work you are doing and have done in this field of Avian Lighting.

BTW, do you by any chance give a quantity order discount, like Philips does for a box of 25 approx.? The price per tube, in a box of 25 (thru H.D.) was approx. $7.50 each.

Patrick,

I would also be interested buying a case of lamps at a time if they are discounted. Let me know here or by PM.

Thank you,

Gary

They're 5000K 98CRI .

I really had thought I wouldn't see much, if any difference being that my two have always had the Phillips 5000K/98CRI so it's not like I was looking for anything in particular to happen. So to see eating habits completely change on an adult bird that I've had for almost 3 years was no less than amazing to me. We're going to try out more red and green foods this week. Please do let me know what you notice after trying them out.

i was wondering if someone could help me because i am really stuck as to what i should be doing...artemis is no problem because he is always in, on, or around his cage. but ivy is almost never in her cage except when she is sleeping. i am getting a new cage for her soon that will be her "play cage", which i've been planning to use for her when i am cooking/out running errands/etc. should i get a light to put over the cage and then keep her in her cage more? i REALLY don't want to cage her more, i always thought more out of cage time was better. but then, what am i supposed to do about lighting if she is out of her cage all the time? it seems like the light is supposed to be on them all the time? i am SO confused. after reading this other thread on molting, i am really scared i am going to kill my birds or something if i don't do this right.

Emily, prior to us deciding that big play enclosures were a better situation for our birds they spent their time on their play stands during the day and I had their lights over their play area where they ate and had their stand, toys, boings, etc.

If Ivy splits her day time between her cage and her play area you may want to put up lighting in both areas.

i wish i had the space and money to make an enclosure like you have, that would be perfect. hopefully at our next house.

how do you keep the birds from messing with the lights it you have it over a play area? i'd be worried ivy would bite something she isn't supposed to. i currently don't have space to put a light above her play gym where it is located. i wish there was something more "floor lamp" style, that would be perfect. i feel really bad about making her stay somewhere all day, but i am also really worried now that i am putting her health in jeopardy. i lost sleep over this last night, eesh.