Ask Lafeber

Safe, effective avian lighting

Hi!
My head hurts from trying to figure out the safest, most effective way to provide artificial lighting for my future bird. I live in Chicago so most months are not good for outside time. There is so much controversy on social media as to what is safe and effective. I realize the birds body rhythm, visualizing of healthy food, and need for vitamin D are involved. Cataracts and burn are some of the concerns as well as just not being useful. Can you point me to the most current, trusted information so that I can provide the best lighting for my bird? Thank you!

Hi Darla,

It can be very confusing because there are so many different opinions out there. If you use full spectrum lights, generally you need to have these on a timer and only have them on for up to 4 hours daily. The light should come from above and not too close to the cage. There are companies that make full spectrum lighting specifically for pet birds that are “low dose” full spectrum and can be used up to 12 hours per day. You can find information from the manufacturers on these by doing a Google search. Generally I recommend full spectrum as secondary lighting for part time use. This makes them optional and you can choose not to have them on if your bird is exhibiting hormonal behavior.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda