artificial sunlight during winter

[birdguhl]

I am advised that sunlight is important for healthy budgies but it is in short supply in Scotland in winter.

Can anyone tell me what kind of lamp / bulb could help keep the boys happy until the sun peeps out again?

Thanks
Birdguhl

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[Hezz]

Living in a climate that is about as opposite to Scotland's as is possible and not having this worry, I can only give you some second-hand info. Arcadia lighting (this is a brand name) seems to be the best there is for our feathered friends. There are reptile lamps about too, that provide UVB and UVA rays for reptiles, but my understanding is that these are set to a different level than what is the optimum for birds. I also understand that the tubes need to be replaced every six months or so, as the amount of UV rays they emit diminish over time.

I know there are members who use these types of lights for their birds. Hopefully you will get more detailed info from some of these. In the meantime, hope this helps.

[moonkira *Julie *]

I have reptiles that need UV lighting and use reptiglo tubes 10% there are lower % ones 2% and a 5% but I am not sure what would be the correct one for budgies , you also need a control unit for them with reptiles they need to get within 6-8inches of the tube to get the uv from it so I dont know how this would work with budgies unless you put a wire cover over it and covered all leads by trunking