If you scroll down on that page, there is a link to these bulbs that are actually listed as full spectrum: F32T8 NATURAL LITE PLUS FULL SPECTRUM. They have a CRI of 91, and are 5600 K. Maybe those are the ones to get??

Here is a direct link: http://www.lightbulbsrus.com/user/pr...il.php?pid=559

Right here is the Phillips: http://www.boulderlightbulb.com/prod...product_ID=144

And if anyone's interested, here's the fixture I spoke about:http://www.hardwareandtools.com/invt/5953310

Here's something that I've never seen any discussion of. The general goal seems to be to come as close as possible to natural sunlight AT HIGH NOON. But high noon isn't a huge portion of the day, and the further the bird's native habitat is from the equator the less high noon is going to be. On top of that, most birds don't spend all day every day basking in the sunlight. When the weather is hot they're more likely to spend the middle of the day sitting in the shade. It certainly complicates the issue of exactly what is going to be best for any particular bird species.

You need to do a search for what is recommended for your particular species. Everywhere I've read states that greys should only have a light on them for about 4 hours a day. Tiel on the other hand I've read about 10 hours.

Actually as I understand it, the goal is more to come as close as possible to the color rendition of natural sunlight at high noon, while replicating the combined color temperature of sunlight and skylight. Natural sunlight at high noon at the equator is considered a CRI (color rendition index) of 100. The color temperature of 5500K represents the combined value of sunlight and skylight. So it's not the same thing as exposing the bird to high noon sunlight. It's more like sunlit daylight, if that makes any sense. Granted there are no shadows, but it's not that far removed from "open" shade. To look at it another way, it's much more a matter of simulating the light qualities of the sun rather than the intensity or strength. That's why incandescents or halogen type bulbs would never be recommended even if they could come close to a full spectrum design, which they can't. But even if they could, their intensity and heat preclude their use.

I've seen the figure of 10 to 12 hours per day frequently used as a standard for non-breeding birds, representing a fair average of daylight hours (other than the summer breeding season, which you don't want to simulate with non breeders) pretty much anywhere most parrot species are native.

I think it is important to note that simulating the dawn and dusk hours are important as well, and this is probably often overlooked. It's certainly not natural to go from dark to daylight in the amount of time it takes to throw a switch, nor from daylight to dark. Our birds need that dawn and dusk adjustment time as well. This means if the room the birds are in receives little or no natural light, we need to simulate that as well, using a second smaller fluorescent light. This need not have any special bulb, since it is located 8 to 10 feet away from the cage, and the "qualities" of dawn and dusk light aren't much the issue. If the room has good natural light, then it's just a matter of giving it an hour at dawn before turning on the full spectrum lighting, and turning it off an hour before sunset.

Again, this is just from my reading and my understanding of the subject.

Another way to handle this time thingy is to get (purchase or build) one's bird a large long rectangular flight cage . Best IMO for everyone to do that anyway (of course doesn't have to be rectangular but best IMO). Then set your F.S. Light fixture (like the one Nate uses or one like some of the rest of us have) right above/on top of the cage. You can use two pieces of 2x4 or 4x4 oak wood or similar (non-treated type - paint them & the light fixture the color of your cage maybe) to set the light fixture on but make sure everything is held down securely. Run the electrical cord upwards (again in a safe manner) so the bird(s) cannot get a hold of it from inside the cage and supervise while they are out. Since your cage will be at least 7&1/2 feet long (hopefully) , place the light over 4ft. of the cage on one end. The other 3ft. + will then be unlit where your bird(s) can move to if they choose.

Some great information here! At least we have a better understanding of what F/S lighting is, what it is supposed to do and how it is absorbed by the birds. I think we all agree that it is definitely beneficial to our fids! Thanks to all who contributed!

OK everyone, as I have now joined the group--it's time to start clearing up more than a few misconceptions about artificial lighting for our birds.

Seeing as this thread has gotten veeerrryy looonnnngggg and confusing, my thought is to start a couple new threads--here in the cages and accessories department, and another probably in a board that concentrates on avian health.

We need to clear up a few things there--how fluorescent light works, what this thing we call full spectrum is, and hopefully work to dispel the myth that your birds need this light for their Vitamin D and Calcium metabolism.

Whew! Ready to begin? Let's start with a new thread on color and vision. Stay tuned!