Best full spectrum light

[Tiel Feathers]

My cockatiels have a preening gland that not only can I see, but I can see them using it too.

I also think lightning that gives them full vision and a high CRI index is important, but I’m unclear, what lights can do this with zero flicker?

 

[Mizzely]

My cockatiels have a preening gland that not only can I see, but I can see them using it too.

I also think lightning that gives them full vision and a high CRI index is important, but I’m unclear, what lights can do this with zero flicker?

Technically no bulb that is connected to an AC outlet is flicker free. AC being of course Alternating Current which is what our homes use. You would need to be connected with a Direct Current set up to avoid it completely.

 

[Alien J]

but I’m unclear

So am I.

 

[Alien J]

You would need to be connected with a Direct Current set up to avoid it completely.

Will i have better luck in the RV? How about 12 volt?

 

[Farlie]

Don't bother. The health benefits from a small artificial light is almost not measurable. Feed TD a nutritious diet and add vitamin D if its lacking. Does he eat pellets?

I agree wholeheartedly. I wouldn't waste my money. A good diet is all they need.

 

[Ripshod]

I

Powder down and preen glands aren't mutually exclusive.. cockatiels do have a uropygial gland. Not sure what the person writing the DrsF&S article was smoking.

I agree with this now. I have been watching Tau preening this morning. It's not obvious - there's no rolling of the head over the gland - it's more milking the gland with the beak.

 

[Ripshod]

but I’m unclear, what lights can do this with zero flicker?

Technically no bulb that is connected to an AC outlet is flicker free. AC being of course Alternating Current which is what our homes use. You would need to be connected with a Direct Current set up to avoid it completely.

True. Even the high frequency lighting designed for use with birds has a flicker, but it's at such a high frequency they can't see it. Somewhere around 200Hz+ (don't quote me. If that's wrong just correct me)

 

[lexalayne]

One of my macaws destroyed the lamp and I’m lucky he didn’t get electrocuted!

 

[Lady Jane]

I guess this posting if now focused on the preening gland. Hyacinth Macaws, Pionus Parrots and Amazon Parrots do not have preen (uropygial) glands. Just to let you know.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I was wonder what everyone thought of these bulbs? Just for quality of life/enhanced vision, I know they are not UV lights.
FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED Bulb – Waveform Lighting

 

[Ripshod]

I was wonder what everyone thought of these bulbs? Just for quality of life/enhanced vision, I know they are not UV lights.
FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED Bulb – Waveform Lighting

Being LED they are likely to be DC and therefore flicker free. 5600K would be good to try, if your birbs don't like it I'm sure you'll be able to put it to good use. Enhanced vision? Yes it'll be brighter.
Really hard to find the full specs on these.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Being LED they are likely to be DC and therefore flicker free. 5600K would be good to try, if your birbs don't like it I'm sure you'll be able to put it to good use. Enhanced vision? Yes it'll be brighter.
Really hard to find the full specs on these.

FilmGrade™ Flicker-Free A19 LED Bulb – Waveform Lighting

I like that they are flicker free and have a high CRI. They also have a Centric Daylight Bulb, which seems very similar. They are AC compatible.

 

[Ripshod]

they are likely to be DC

They are AC compatible

Sorry, should have explained better - they convert the AC internally to DC for the LEDs

 

[Odin]

So, if they don't need "special" lights, what kind of bulbs can I use? just regular bulbs?

 

[Fuzzy]

I still use avian full spectrum lights not for the health benefits, but so that the birds can see better.

 

[Ripshod]

So, if they don't need "special" lights, what kind of bulbs can I use? just regular bulbs?

I still use avian full spectrum lights not for the health benefits, but so that the birds can see better.

Ditto. There' s nothing better than a splash of UV-A for the general wellbeing of your birbs
However, if you are restricted in budget or just want to use a domestic bulb look for a 'Daylight' LED bulb with a CRI of 95 or higher. Compact flourescents just don't cut it, they could make your birb Ill or cause behavioural problems. Of course your birb will still effectively be colourblind.

 

[Odin]

UV-A

What brands do you recommend?

 

[Ripshod]

What brands do you recommend?

Arcadia or Avian Sun. I've no experience with the Avian Sun brand, I use the Arcadia Parrot Pro.
It'll also depend where you are in the world. I'm in the UK and these are the brands I see most often here.

 

[Odin]

thank you! i have "full spectrum" but I don't think those are right.

 

[Ripshod]

thank you! i have "full spectrum" but I don't think those are right.

Can you post a photo of the packaging?