Do I Need a Light for My Bird's Cage?

[lobster14]

I recently got my first bird, a cockatiel about a month ago. He is currently 14 weeks old. We have his cage in our dining room, but it has occurred to me that the dining room (and most of our downstairs) is on the dimmer side. There are ceiling lights in each room, but they are the "soft-white" yellowish light and around 60watts. Do I need to invest in some type of full spectrum or bright lighting to put above his cage, or will he be OK without it? If I do need a light, what type should I get?

 

[WikiWaz]

This is a conversional issue. I think @Hankmacaw may have more information for you.

I was told by a certified vet tech/certified parrot behavioralist that I should not keep my full spectrum cage light on for more than 4 hours a day. She said the full spectrum light can cause cataracts.

 

[Hankmacaw]

@Mizzely or @Macawnutz are the lighting specialist around here. I do not believe that special lighting is generally necessary for bird, unless they are constantly in a quite dim area. Even then all that is needed is a small (18" fluorescent fixture) to be on durig daylight hours only.

 

[Lady Jane]

@Ripshod is very knowledgeable about bird lighting.

 

[Ripshod]

A lot of members have seen the benefit of supplemental lighting, or moving the cage to a window. Increased energy, generally happier and more active birds - I know I have. I forked out a mini fortune for a "pro" avian setup with full spectrum lamps. There's no real need. I've rewired mine to take LED lamps now and my birds are very active.
It can be as simple as a desk lamp with an LED bulb on top of the cage. Try it. If you see no benefit you can use the lamp elsewhere.

 

[Lady Jane]