I recently replaced the bulbs in the bird room with full spectrum bulbs, and what a difference it makes! I admit it has been some months since I used them last but within the last week the girls have become more active and vocal. They fly around a little more, and seem overall a little happier. Just in a week! I anticipate they will continue to thrive, and I look forward to it. They had seemed a little bummed out, which I attributed to the flock size dwindling. I'm sure that was part of it, but they are starting to act more like normal again. I'm so very happy to see it.

 

If you can invest in some, I highly recommend them. You can buy them anywhere, and they will fit into a regular bulb socket. Just an observation though, since the light is "whiter" than a regular soft white bulb, you don't need to get one with as high a wattage as you usually use. Otherwise, it's um...really bright. I had forgotten. Oh well, live and learn!

 

**edit**

 

Oh, I forgot to mention that it really makes their colors look fantastic!

Edited August 15, 200618 yr by Rainbow

If you are using flourescent light, you can get the same type lamps. Just ask at an electrical wholesaler or local electrician.

I have been using full spectrum lighting since I got Monty. Just a word of warning - those lightbulbs get HOT!!

they are good for breeding as well you get more hen chicks when you use these bulbs

I know this is old but I have been looking into these. I have been considering the downstairs garage as my breeding room, but its terribly dark, it has fluro lights the long tubes in the ceiling but I was wondering if I can get full specs in there and is there a way to install some kind of timer/dimmer on them I spose a sparky could do it so they turn on and off at dusk and dawn?

Hey, Firebird, I have been using a mixture of regular fluorescent bulbs and the ones labeled "full spectrum" in my basement bird room for about one and a half years, now. You can see in the photo that there's only one small window, so not much natural daylight comes in. I do have the lights plugged into a timer, because I got smart and realized that then I wouldn't have to keep going down to turn them on and off manually.

 

I adjust the length of their "daytime" to be shorter when I'm not breeding them, and longer when I'm hoping that they will go into breeding condition. (I also play a CD of water sounds then.)

 

 

I have heard people say that the light bulbs sold commonly in stores that are labeled "full spectrum" (the kind I use) are not truly full spectrum, like the ones you can buy special for birds and reptiles through on line catalogs. However, I haven't been able to find anything written in the catalogs about their special lighting that makes me believe there are any differences between the two. Other than that the catalog ones are more expensive and require a special lamp.

 

Since my birds seem happy and healthy, and fertiltiy is good (so far, knock on wood), I'm not planning to switch over to the expensive type yet.

 

 

Wow great ideas for cages! Thanks for the pics gives me ideas. I love the converted cupboard! Mind if I ask where you got the cages on the far wall? Ive been looking for some breeding cages for some ringneck pairs, big and long. I can make my own but i like having pull out trays for inside.

 

There is a company I emailed who specialise in full spec lights they have some that can go into regular fittings and take timers. But I wont be using lamps, just the regular ceiling lights and would have to get the timer on the ight switch.

They are expensive and have to be replaced every 6 months I believe.

Mind if I ask where you got the cages on the far wall? Ive been looking for some breeding cages for some ringneck pairs, big and long. I can make my own but i like having pull out trays for inside.

 

We had a thread about similar cages a few days ago, but the link to the "Cheap as Chips" website doesn't seem to be working. Link to Cage Topic

 

But you could google "HQ Double Wide Flight Cage" and that should bring some up.

I had a website link to a small company that makes longer lasting full specs and has a type for birdrooms. Come in edison screw, bayonet and tubes. prices were pretty good. Now do you think I can find the link? I looked and looked, I'll post it when I find it again.

I had a website link to a small company that makes longer lasting full specs and has a type for birdrooms. Come in edison screw, bayonet and tubes. prices were pretty good. Now do you think I can find the link? I looked and looked, I'll post it when I find it again.

 

Are you in Australia