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| 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 processes such as molting and the reproductive cycle. Birds have four-color vision and the lower wavelength ultraviolet (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 D 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 than 5% of the UV light. The FeatherBrite light can provide these important benefits. The FeatherBrite full-spectrum bulb is a compact spiral fluorescent, 15w, 5500k, 91cri. UVA 4%, UVB .05%. (UVB is between 290-310 nm in wavelength) It has a standard screw-in base and will burn approximately 8000 hours and is guaranteed for one year. This bulb cannot be used with dimmable controls. Recommended light time length is 2 to 8 hours per day and a timer can be used. Please consult your veterinarian regarding proper light time for your companion bird. ** NEW** The FeatherBrite Full Day/All Night light provides full spectrum benefits during daytime. At night, the LED moonlight provides a soothing, calming effect that helps with night fright. The LED moonlight bulb (.06 watts) is guaranteed 2 years and is inexpensive to operate. Included in this unit is a 15w full spectrum bulb, a LED moonlight bulb and a timer for the daytime.
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