Good Bulb for Full Spectrum Light?

[LilSprout]

It's winter so there's not much sun and I had read about the benefits of full spectrum lighting for parrots. I have this bulb lying around OttLite 20EDG2R 20-watt Plant Grow Bulb, Compact Fluorescent Bulbs - Amazon Canada
I used it for about a year to grow tropical pitcher plants (until I got too many pitcher plants and upgraded to a 4 foot fixture but that's in the basement away from my bird) I put it in the lamp I always used to put it in and after about 12 hours of use (how I normally used it) it felt super hot like if I grabbed it the bulb would burn me. Thinking about it I probably shouldn't leave it on for 12 hours straight (it cooled down enough to just be warm after a few minutes of being off) but would this be the correct kind of light for parrots? Any tips on safe usage around a lovebird (I'm not going to leave it on that long again, maybe like a few 1 hour increments during the day?)

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I don't know anything about your bulb, but I like Featherbrite bulbs, and I leave mine on for 1-2 hours in the middle of the day.
FeatherBrite Full spectrum lighting for birds

 

[Lady Jane]

Ott lite's are top of the line and expensive. Last a long time. They are on Amazon.

 

[LilSprout]

Ott lite's are top of the line and expensive. Last a long time. They are on Amazon.

Mine was like ten bucks at Canadian Tire

 

[WendyN]

I use the Featherbrite full spectrum for birds. One thing the I like is that it doesn't flicker like some fluorescent one do over time.

 

[LilSprout]

I use the Featherbrite full spectrum for birds. One thing the I like is that it doesn't flicker like some fluorescent one do over time.

I'll look into those, do they get hot at all?

 

[WendyN]

They do not get very hot at all.

 

[WendyN]

I'll look into those, do they get hot at all?

They do not get very hot.
The bulbs are not meant to light the whole room but to light the cage. Hope that makes sense.
You can do a search for previous posts on this subject.

 

[Mizzely]

Are you looking for a bulb for vitamin D, or are you looking just so the bird can see in full spectrum?

The data says that bulbs only produce UVB when they are 6-12 inches away from it, and you risk eye damage at that distance. They also only produce UVB for up to 6 months, so even if they are still producing light, they are no better than a regular bulb after 6 months.

I just get CRI 90 or better bulbs so they can see clearly.

 

[LilSprout]

Are you looking for a bulb for vitamin D, or are you looking just so the bird can see in full spectrum?

The data says that bulbs only produce UVB when they are 6-12 inches away from it, and you risk eye damage at that distance. They also only produce UVB for up to 6 months, so even if they are still producing light, they are no better than a regular bulb after 6 months.

I just get CRI 90 or better bulbs so they can see clearly.

Atm I'm looking to give her the psychological benefits of sunlight because there's not really enough in the room she lives in

 

[Mizzely]

Atm I'm looking to give her the psychological benefits of sunlight because there's not really enough in the room she lives in

A light made to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder would then not produce UV light, and would want to focus on making it as close to natural daylight as possible. That would mean, CRI of 90, and a K temp of 5500+ usually.

Seasonal affective disorder treatment: Choosing a light box - Mayo Clinic