Parrotlet Sunlight Needs

[freedomgirl]

My p'let rarely ever gets sun. This time of year, and for the past several months, the sun does not shine in the house. Do you know if this can cause behavioural or physical problems with birds? I know that too much sunlight can stimulate hormones, but am unsure about what too little can do.

I am purchasing one of those full spectrum sun simulator lights for myself but am thinking it might be beneficial if I put the light on for him occasionally. What do you think of this idea?

[Jswede]

Definitely add full spectrum lights ASAP. A timer is a worth while addition too, so you're consistent with light timing. I had the same issue after moving into my current house, as the bedroom for the birds and I is on the north side of my house.

Make sure the birds can't reach the cords to chew on them.

[jodeg]

I have a Featherbrite full spectrum light on top of Angelina's cage, especially during the winter months.

[Sally]

I have a featherbrite light also.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/chipper/newcage.jpg

[Bodie]

I have the Avian light by Zoo Med.

[freedomgirl]

Thanks so much for your replies. I feel badly I haven't gotten the birds one sooner. I will most likely go with the Featherbrite lite, although those cords look like they'd be mighty attractive to an active beak. In the meantime I will share my broad specrum light, which will sit on my desk next to the cage.

Sally your cage is a total p'let playground! But let me guess, your bird only wants to sit and be entertained by you most of the time? Ahh irony :)

[jodeg]

The Featherbrite light has a metal arm coming out of the lamp shade that extends out beyond the edge of the cage and keeps the cord away from the cage. Very handy. Course, your bird still had to be supervised when he's out of his cage.

[Sally]

Chipper never tries to get the chord. You do have to be careful when they are out, watch them or turn it off until they get back in the cage. It is held away from the cage.

Freedomgirl, Chipper enjoys every inch of the cage! She flies there all the time even when she is out with me or sitting next to me on her playgyms. The more there is to do, the happier thay are. A wild bird in a home needs lots of things to do. I read to her, sing to her and play a musicbox for her before bed.

They are two year olds that never grow up. Lots of toys and activities are needed. She even has two pianos for toddlers. My little dog can play them! hehe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/Sally11/chipper/cowpiano-1.jpg

[freedomgirl]

Of course Chipper loves to play in her cage. Heck I want to play in that cage it looks like so much fun :). Love the mini piano! That is a riot. What a lucky bird Chipper is to have you.

My p'let is at that stage where he's wanting to be out of the cage with me entertaining him constantly rather than playing inside with his toys. So I just ordered a bunch of new toys in hopes he'll be encouraged to play on his own as well. You are certainly right about them needing a lot of stimulation, like a two year old.

Oh, I researched the FeatherBrite and ZooMed lights and, despite the relatively poor reviews due to its construction, have ordered the ZooMed. I like the fact it's a standing lamp that can be moved, as I have a dove that I would like to use it on as well. Plus I will worry less about the cord getting chewed apart when the p'let is out and about. The fact it was $35 cheaper helped too.

[Sally]

I don't know what the zoo one looks like but make sure it shines from the top, not the side. The Feather Brite is easy that way. I have read it has to come from the top.