Is it necessary to expose parrots to sunlight?

[815coke]

I feed a balanced diet of pellets, egg food, millet and greens. Is natural light still necessary?

 

[rheashard2]

That can be a can of worms. Birds use lightning to tell them breeding season etc. Nearly all plants, animals, and humans need sunlight. Sunlight stimulates vitamin D production. Modern window glass block the types of sun rays that does this. They're made that way. My CAG uses a window to view the world and as a boredom prevention. I use a bird light on 12/12 cycle to aid in hormone control. As for true sunlight my CAG gets little. (Mainly with outings.) She's fed quality pellets, veggie chop and fruit. Her avian vet, lab checks are normal. She's 21 yo.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Everyone has their own opinions on this subject. Birds can get sunburnt so too much is bad. They can also get their eyes injured by the sun lamps if used wrong, so make sure you read up if going this route. I never have used them so am not the one to ask about bird lamps.

Mine get sunshine and fresh air and I think they appreciate it and benefit from it. Some of mine even live outdoors in the warm season, with adequate protection from the weather (access to shade, protected from rain and heavy storms, protected from predators and varmints, etc)

But is it physically or psychologically *essential* to their wellbeing? I think that's a very qualified no. They aren't going to necessarily suffer and die without it, but it is definitely important.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

My amateur opinion is yes. I live in a very bright house with enormous windows, but even then, my macaw begs to be let outside to sit in his outdoor cage. At first I thought he would just sit out there for 2 hours a day. Nope. He wants to be outside all day until the landscape lights automatically turn on at night. His cage is in full shade but it is hot out there (Florida). Still, he’d rather roast in the heat and humidity than enjoy air conditioned comfort indoors.

 

[bug_n_flock]

I was so worried mine would overheat in Kentucky summer but NOPE. Definitely they love them some heat and humidity you ain't kidding

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I'm not set up to take my budgies outside for some sun. Their cages are big and heavy and there are stairs involved. I think they'll just have to do without. It's not that I don't think it's beneficial. So many factors go into making healthy happy birds. I emphasize the ones that are feasible like diet and exercise.

 

[Monika]

Parrots only need like 5 to 10 minutes of direct (unfiltered) sunlight, let's say once a week.

 

[rheashard2]

Over the years I've done a lot of reading about this. Especially after my parrot developed potentially negative hormonal behaviors. As for true direct sunlight without artificial lighting supplement 2-3 hrs/day was least that I found. Sunlight and vit D production are most common association. But there's a bit more to it. Pigment stimulation and feather health are also helped with sunlight. Modern windows are made to block the light waves that provide these 3 needs. Window use now is basically viewing. Parrots (humans and fish, reptiles and other pets) require a certain amount of daily lighting. This because lighting has a variety of mental and physical effects. Artificial lighting is used to help provide this. Now the can of worms is opened. The pros/cons/yes, buts/maybe so's now begin. Basically a 8-12 hours of a light source that provide this is recommended for bird health. I use a birdlight that provides this. That is me. Read, learn, think and understand. Use care in articles. Double check articles direct you to a purchasing site or is sponsored by a manufacturer. These are naturally slanted to separate you from your money.