UV light suggestions

[MrsParront]

Hello,

So I inherited my sisters 25 year old yellow head Amazon. I’m doing my best to keep him healthy. I live in a one bedroom apartment that doesn’t get the light Papo needs for his vitamin D. I’ve been researching and found that lots of Vets and parronts recommend Avian UV lighting. Some can be pricey which doesn’t matter to me, I just need advice on which brands are best. Please help! Thank you!

 

[Ripshod]

The best makes of avian lighting are Zoo Med, Avian Sun and Arcadia.
But first is he getting D3 in his food (usually pellets)? If he is then you can just use a bright 'daylight' led bulb over his cage in a standard desk lamp. Just the light alone will improve his energy levels and save you a whole load of money.
Has the vet detected a lack of D3?

 

[Hankmacaw]

Which pellets are you feeding Papo? If he is getting D3 in his pellet (and he should be getting pellets) he will not need a UV light. Additionally, 15-20 minutes of unfiltered (outside) sunshine 3 times per week will provide all of the D3 he needs.

 

[MrsParront]

The best makes of avian lighting are Zoo Med, Avian Sun and Arcadia.
But first is he getting D3 in his food (usually pellets)? If he is then you can just use a bright 'daylight' led bulb over his cage in a standard desk lamp. Just the light alone will improve his energy levels and save you a whole load of money.
Has the vet detected a lack of D3?

Hi! Thanks for your response. No lack in vitamin D. He’s been eating a pellet diet with fresh fruits and veggies. His feathers seemed to have dulled a bit lately and thought the UV light might help.

 

[MrsParront]

Which pellets are you feeding Papo? If he is getting D3 in his pellet (and he should be getting pellets) he will not need a UV light. Additionally, 15-20 minutes of unfiltered (outside) sunshine 3 times per week will provide all of the D3 he needs.

Hi! So he is on a pelleted diet. Loves the heck out of his pellets. Plus fruits and veggies. It’s just I’m on the third floor of an apartment building and not able to get him outside. He’s imprinted onto my sister who has moved out the country. She was the only one who could handle him. I’m constantly working with him everyday to build a relationship and trust so that I can handle him too someday.

 

[MrsParront]

Hi! So he is on a pelleted diet. Loves the heck out of his pellets. Plus fruits and veggies. It’s just I’m on the third floor of an apartment building and not able to get him outside. He’s imprinted onto my sister who has moved out the country. She was the only one who could handle him. I’m constantly working with him everyday to build a relationship and trust so that I can handle him too someday.

Oh and I feed him Roudy Bush medium pellets for seniors for the extra calcium.

 

[MrsParront]

Hi! Thanks for your response. No lack in vitamin D. He’s been eating a pellet diet with fresh fruits and veggies. His feathers seemed to have dulled a bit lately and thought the UV light might help.

So then since he is on a pelleted diet, just a “daylight” bulb” should do? That can be found at the local hardware store or Walmart right?

 

[Hankmacaw]

That pellet is one of the best. He will get plenty of Vit. D3 with that. You don't need a UV light - If he doesn't have good light any daylight bulb will do. You might try giving him Red Palm Oil (RPO) Amazon.com : red palm oil for birds. This is what many of the members on this forum use. Mix some in with your pellets - most birds love it.

Has he been to a vet? If he has liver disease, his feathers will not be as healthy looking.

 

[MrsParront]

He has been to the vet, everything is fine. I think it’s being in a new environment with central air that’s affecting him. He comes from a more humid environment. I’m mixing coconut oil with some of his food to help. I will definitely look into the red palm oil. Thanks to everyone who responded!!!

 

[Ephy]

I have been ways worried my poor featherbabies are never getting enough real unfiltered sunlight.

I have also read so much conflicting info about the dangers of using aftificial light, so imo i try to to stick to what is natural.

I also live in an apartment, and it can be difficult to find the perfect time of day, or best window to give your bird the best source of natural sunshine.

But with time, I am sure you and your bird can figure it out.

For example, the last 5 years, i have been dragging my huge bird cages all over my apartment, so they have access to a fully open window and the sunshine.

I also started trying to teach my birds to accept being in smaller "temporary Cages" that I could then place easily on my balcony in the morning sunshine, for example. While watching over them.

After awhile when i would say "lets go get some sunshine" they would be happy to hop into their small cages to enjoy some much needed sunshine and fresh veggies.

It can be alot more work, but they get what they need and learn to work with you happily when they realize how much they can also enjoy and benefit from it.

Actually, I am so proud of my Kiwi (not a parrot) has finally after 5 years of rejecting direct sunlight, now accepts it.

He always got into his small sun cage without trouble and enjoyed being in the sun, while in his cage, but trying to stand with him on my shoudler in front of a window and in direct sunlight would send him flying away almost instantly. As soon as the warm sun would touch him, or I would get too close to an open window, he was gone.

As of last week, and after 5 years of workinf with him, I am a proud mamabird to say, he is no longer afraid.

He has FINALLY embraced the window ledege with thw window wide open in the sun and happily sings away to all the birds he sees. I feel as proud as any mommabird could feel about this.

He still needs to learn and understand that when he gets overheated, its time for a break but together we are working on this. I always keep an eye on him. One small but amazing step at a time.

Is it possible you can put your bird into a window, with the glass wide open..? Or Into a safe and secure cage, while sitting together in the sun on a balcony?

While it may not solve winter sunshine issues, there is plenty of healthy and natural sunshine from spring to fall.

Goes without saying, but always sit with your birds and make sure they do not overheat and are not exposed to potential predators. EVen on a balcony.

 

[Ripshod]

Nothing you do right now is going to change his feathers, they're dead material list like our hair or nails. Yes there's loads of sprites and water additives that claim to improve plumage, all they do is make the feathers look good and leave chemicals on the feathers you probably don't want him injesting.
What you are already doing regarding his diet is great preparation for his next moult when you should see a massive improvement in his plumage.