Uvb lamps

[raeleigh26]

Purchased an avian sun uvb bulb (zoo med) with the intention of using it with a regular ceramic/ aluminum heat lamp base (for chickens) - they hang or clamp.

Can anyone tell me whether this is safe? Or should I get the floor lamp intended for this bulb? What about one made for reptiles(exactly like the heat lamps for chickens only painted)
Tia

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[Cycletim]

Are the chickens outside ?

 

[Littleredbeak]

I got the same lamp- light bulb and floor lam the read how it’s actually bad for them. So i returned. I don’t see how you wouldn’t be able able to use a regular lamp for the light bulb.

 

[Cycletim]

There are many posts on this topic. I will put my opinion in. There is no substitute for the sun. UVB is what we humans wear sun block to avoid getting sun burns. The best option is to give your bird access to the sun for at least 20 minutes per week. However you can do it.

I thought Avian lights were ideal aswell, but they are not they can cause blindness and sunburns. We use a avian light fixture for bird cages with an ordinary cfl bulb from home depot. I am not saying lighting is bad, it helps with hormones for sure. But, birds are not reptiles and do not require a ton of sunlight all day long. I hope this helps and its just my opinion from personal experience and what I have read here on the forums

 

[raeleigh26]

Are the chickens outside ?

Lol no, I'm taking a break from chickens for awhile, don't have any more ducks atm, or geese or turkey either .... but I've still got several lights.

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[raeleigh26]

There are many posts on this topic. I will put my opinion in. There is no substitute for the sun. UVB is what we humans wear sun block to avoid getting sun burns. The best option is to give your bird access to the sun for at least 20 minutes per week. However you can do it.



I thought Avian lights were ideal aswell, but they are not they can cause blindness and sunburns. We use a avian light fixture for bird cages with an ordinary cfl bulb from home depot. I am not saying lighting is bad, it helps with hormones for sure. But, birds are not reptiles and do not require a ton of sunlight all day long. I hope this helps and its just my opinion from personal experience and what I have read here on the forums

It's winter here, we've got a huge porch covering the entire south side, and our windows are tinted, so they filter even more light than regular glass. The house is like a cave on a good day.

It did reach 55* the other day, and I took him out to the porch between clouds, but the breeze was very cool so we only stayed out about ten minutes.
It was sunny and nearly 60 today, but we weren't home today and we've got several days of rain/ snow cloudy cold coming again.

So, if these uvb bulbs aren't safe. What's a good alternative?

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[Cycletim]

Sorry for the confusion , I thought you were asking about chickens for a second. Other people who use the lights will probably chime in. If it were me and I was in your shoes, I would probably get an extra fixture with a regular CFL bulb in it and make that the primary light. I would just use the Avian sun bulb on a limited run time. Until spring time when the weather is better for outside time.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Sorry I disagree I have ZooMed UVB Avian Floor Lamps and WILL continue to use them. If you can get your bird outside safely all year round then that is good, no chance in UK unfortunately. They require similar to us about 20 minutes per day of sunlight, directly behind glass is no good, only for overheating.

I notice that mine do not have to sit under theirs but very often they are by choice. I use mine for approx 2-4 hours at a time, not all day! My hubby has a meter and will check the strength of the bulbs for me, not much point putting something on using electricity if it isn't doing what you expect and needs replacing.

My AV endosed using the lamp btw.



Arcadia make a avian clamp on UVB fitting I think?



Birds possibly can suffer eye problems if they are used wrong. I am not aware of any info in UK saying to not use them as they are dangerous, etc. I have some very clued up, well informed (UK) friends who have parrots and they still use theirs. Do not use Reptile bulbs and/or reptile lamp fittings for Parrots. There are unfortuantely a growing number of idiots out there who insist on trying to do something 'different' and thus end up causing issues to their birds.

 

[raeleigh26]

the bulb will fit any socket, i just wanted to know if it could be used in an aluminum(ceramic socket) lamp built for heat lamp bulbs for chickens.
Obviously it shouldn't be used in just any of lamp with unknown coating. I have a very convenient clip lamp that specifically states not for use with uv bulbs.

I haven't been able to find the floor lamp in stock, and everything is taking far longer than usual to be shipped here. Thus my search for alternatives.

Ps... can you tag a person in this forum?

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[plumsmum2005]

The time you will have to wait for your lamp to arrive should not be a problem; short term. IMHO best to use the correct lamp with the dedicated bird UVB lamp.



Do you know anyone that could lend you one in the short term if not I'd say don't panic.

 

[SailBoat]

IMHO, I differ regarding the use of 'Avian or Reptile' specific bulbs to provide a given level of UVB rays unless they are a 'rod' style as a light bulb style does not provide true UVB rays, only a 'like' color spectrum. Do not use Rod Based Lighting for Parrots!!!

Regardless of what one uses, the likelihood of sight problems is very high especially if one places them too close to their Parrot(s). Test: Set the light the same distance you plan on placing it from your Parrot's face for your face. With 'your' eyes open, turn on the light and then turn it off. Yes, that quickly! If you have spots in your sight plane, its too close for you and your Parrot. Continue to move the bulb ever further away, checking as you move it away!

A standard aluminum /ceramic light fixture can be used! The disclaimer is that the 'maximum' wattage is not exceeded!!!

We use Daylight, Dimmable, LED light bulbs in our home. We adjust the light level in the evening to simulate the onset of night time to keep ours and our Amazons Sleep Schedule in balance with our needs.

FYI: Depending on your Location in the Northern Hemisphere, you should consider removing the tint film from your glass windows. If you are North of the 45 parallel, they are of limited value. The further South you are from that parallel, the more value they have. If you are South, consider window blinds.

Unlike Humans, Parrots have nothing in their skin to collect UVB rays and use it to create anything other than a burn. The best that they have been able to determine, Parrots pick-up the ray in their sight (eyes) and that triggers the body to create vit D.

 

[plumsmum2005]

https://theparrotsocietyuk.org/site...rrot-husbandry/ultraviolet-light-skin-cancer/

 

[SailBoat]

Nice presentation, but no, Parrot skin is far too thin to have any ability to create D3 as it is barely thick enough to hold the internal organs. Add two layers of feathers and Sunlight is greatly filtered even during flight. What skin is exposed is far different in its thickness and structure. Human skin thickness is barely enough thickness to produce a limited amount of D3.

As stated, this is my opinion based on my business, education, readings, and hands-on experiences.

Single panel glass does not fully block out UVB. This is clearly seen by the effects of Sunlight shining in causing a chemical change in colored fabric and wood that results in the loss of brightness of the colors and the resulting warmth that can be felt and seen with temperature rises. And, a step further, a double layer of glass does not fully block out UVB. It is only when a thin lay of film is hung between the outer and inner panels is the 'vast amount' of UVB is eliminated.

 

[raeleigh26]

Nice presentation, but no, Parrot skin is far too thin to have any ability to create D3 as it is barely thick enough to hold the internal organs. Add two layers of feathers and Sunlight is greatly filtered even during flight. What skin is exposed is far different in its thickness and structure. Human skin thickness is barely enough thickness to produce a limited amount of D3.



As stated, this is my opinion based on my business, education, readings, and hands-on experiences.



Single panel glass does not fully block out UVB. This is clearly seen by the effects of Sunlight shining in causing a chemical change in colored fabric and wood that results in the loss of brightness of the colors and the resulting warmth that can be felt and seen with temperature rises. And, a step further, a double layer of glass does not fully block out UVB. It is only when a thin lay of film is hung between the outer and inner panels is the 'vast amount' of UVB is eliminated.

Yup, that's exactly what we've got. A house in the middle of a field with zero trees for shade or wind break. We have brand new windows, double pane, designed to block sunlight. The porch is also new, and being 12x24, is nearly as wide as the house and covers all but one window on the south side.
It's had the desired effect of significantly lowering our heating and especially cooling bills.
Ralph's room is in the north west corner, has one window on each side with no curtains. But he hangs out with us in the living room all day, and it's brighter under a shade tree at dusk than in there at noon.

Except for when the sun is exactly at the right spot(if it's not cloudy) between the porch roof and bottom of the windows, for about 20 minutes on one side of the window seat.

It is what it is. Between mid November and March, I'm afraid he won't get enough light.
Not just for vit D, but for mental health.

(I've honestly had my own issues with light in winter. An especially complicated issue since I'm allergic to the sun. Yup. That's a thing. My doctor recommended a uv light designed for this. And I'm aware of the potential dangers of using them.)

If everyone is staunchly against artificial uvb bulbs, then what is a good alternative?

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[plumsmum2005]

Interesting Steven, certainly 'new' food for thought, goes against everything else that I have come across here.



Raeleigh26 There is the use of light therapy. Light boxes have filters that remove harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there's no risk of skin or eye damage for most people. There is a fair bit of advice but one such recommendation is to also make sure that you do go outside every day if possible for a walk.




UVA is the light that travels through glass and is related to cancer and is therefore harmful. UVB does not travel through glass but does cause redness to skin of sunburn.



I will continue to use my lamps as previously stated strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued; directly overhead, not at a sideways angle and at the correct distance from the top of the birds head. There needs to be always the option of being able to sit/be out of the light if they so choose.

 

[SailBoat]

Nice presentation, but no, Parrot skin is far too thin to have any ability to create D3 as it is barely thick enough to hold the internal organs. Add two layers of feathers and Sunlight is greatly filtered even during flight. What skin is exposed is far different in its thickness and structure. Human skin thickness is barely enough thickness to produce a limited amount of D3.

As stated, this is my opinion based on my business, education, readings, and hands-on experiences.

Single panel glass does not fully block out UVB. This is clearly seen by the effects of Sunlight shining in causing a chemical change in colored fabric and wood that results in the loss of brightness of the colors and the resulting warmth that can be felt and seen with temperature rises. And, a step further, a double layer of glass does not fully block out UVB. It is only when a thin lay of film is hung between the outer and inner panels is the 'vast amount' of UVB is eliminated.

Yup, that's exactly what we've got. A house in the middle of a field with zero trees for shade or wind break. We have brand new windows, double pane, designed to block sunlight. The porch is also new, and being 12x24, is nearly as wide as the house and covers all but one window on the south side.
It's had the desired effect of significantly lowering our heating and especially cooling bills.

Ralph's room is in the north west corner, has one window on each side with no curtains. But he hangs out with us in the living room all day, and it's brighter under a shade tree at dusk than in there at noon.

Except for when the sun is exactly at the right spot(if it's not cloudy) between the porch roof and bottom of the windows, for about 20 minutes on one side of the window seat.

It is what it is. Between mid November and March, I'm afraid he won't get enough light.
Not just for vit D, but for mental health.

(I've honestly had my own issues with light in winter. An especially complicated issue since I'm allergic to the sun. Yup. That's a thing. My doctor recommended a uv light designed for this. And I'm aware of the potential dangers of using them.)

If everyone is staunchly against artificial uvb bulbs, then what is a good alternative?

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I also suffer the effects of the lack of Sunlight durning the Winter months in Michigan. As stated, we activity use LED, daylight series with dimming abilities. Note, with LED daylight series you get what you pay for. Watch closely the 'expected life' statement. Dividing the cost of the bulb into the expected life to get obtain the cost per hour of life.

For our household, the combination of taking a D3 supplement and the LED day light series stays off the effect of minimum Winter Sunlight. As noted in my prior Post, it is very important to use dimmer series light bulbs (plus a dimmer series lamp or light switch) as not using a dimmer can cause a shift in your (and your Parrots) bodies sleep schedule.

The light boxes where first generation 'light sources' using 'grow series florescent bulbs.' Today, LED, Daylight series provide greater light per watt than the tube system grow bulbs did, plus one can build in dimming abilities.

Remember that unless the light source is a rod (bar) style the source does not produce UVB. Everything else is tinted glass to the color spectrum that mimics UVB. As I stated before, Rod (bar) style light /heat sources should never be used with Avians or Humans.

 

[SailBoat]

Interesting Steven, certainly 'new' food for thought, goes against everything else that I have come across here.

Raeleigh26 There is the use of light therapy. Light boxes have filters that remove harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, so there's no risk of skin or eye damage for most people. There is a fair bit of advice but one such recommendation is to also make sure that you do go outside every day if possible for a walk.

UVA is the light that travels through glass and is related to cancer and is therefore harmful. UVB does not travel through glass but does cause redness to skin of sunburn.

I will continue to use my lamps as previously stated strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued; directly overhead, not at a sideways angle and at the correct distance from the top of the birds head. There needs to be always the option of being able to sit/be out of the light if they so choose.

My Good Friend, as 'we' both know, there will always be differences in opinion regarding technology and its use.

UV (UVB) has a very long history of 'Industry Paid For Science.' The original studies where created to expand the use of the 'electric light industry' as a means of expanding the use of their highly specialized and expensive light source for the Color Verification industry. By have a very stable light source, which regardless of who, where, and time of day, the same color will have the same appearance!

The reality is that tinting the interior surface of a light tube (bulb) can produce a light that is equal to High-Noon in London, England on a bright Summer day. Sadly, that tinting has a limited light life and also, require a precise, repeatable light source. This resulted in a fairly high number of rejects and an Industry looking for a market to sell their rejects. First Market, indoor grow lights! Second Market, office setting to obtain higher work levels. Third Market, Home lighting in markets with limited Sunlight.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Got ya LOL! Thanks. Gonna be scouting or more info now :30:

 

[raeleigh26]

Got ya LOL! Thanks. Gonna be scouting or more info now :30:

Same! Thank you (how do I tag sailboat? Lol)

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[SailBoat]

Got ya LOL! Thanks. Gonna be scouting or more info now :30:

Same! Thank you (how do I tag sailboat? Lol)

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Not sure what a tag is. If you wish to communication with a Private Message (PM), you will need to PM a MOD (Purple Color) and they will forward your massages until to obtain enough Posts and open you to direct PM's The other maybe a 'Like.' Open your Personal information file and within the setting you will see where you can invite /like another member. I will take a look and get back with you if that is what you are talking about.