UVB LIGHTING--IT'S IMPORTANCE

[Dave007]

UVB is a necessary part of the process in which vitamin D3 is produced in the skin of humans and animals, and also what causes sunburn in humans. The vitamin D3 that is produced is responsible for regulating calcium metabolism. A lack of UVB and vitamin D3 can ultimately result in metabolic bone disease in reptiles, and rickets In humans. Nearly all animals that are active during the day are exposed to UVB. This includes birds living in heavily shaded tropical forests, and birds in open areas with direct sunlight exposure. Even though birds are exposed to UVB in their natural habitat, UVB has been traditionally ignored for pet birds. We know from science and experience that UVB is beneficial, if not absolutely necessary for humans and most reptiles. We now know that birds also benefit from UVB. There was a good article in the journal .Exotic DVM. Recently on .The Effect of UV-B Lighting Supplementation in African Grey Parrots.. This study determined that exposure to UVB with African Grey Parrots resulted in higher blood levels of vitamin D3 as compared to Parrots without exposure to UVB lighting, with and without vitamin D3 In their diet. The author found that the parrots were able to meet their vitamin D3 requirements through UVB. Alone, rather than through the presence of Vitamin D3 in their diet. The author states in his article that .it would appear prudent to supply both an adequate diet and UV-B lighting to grey parrots in order to prevent clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia in this species. And .the author now routinely recommends provision of UV-B Lighting to African species..

An article explaining one method that birds use to synthesize UVB that involves the preen (Uropygial) gland.
In this process, Vitamin D3 precursors are secreted by the preen gland. These precursors are spread over the birds feathers when the bird preens. These precursors and then exposed to UVB and converted to active vitamin D3, and then ingested upon future preening. As some birds lack ( any Amazona Species) A preen gland, birds are also able to produce vitamin D3 through the exposure of the skin on their legs and near their beak to UVB.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, too much dietary vitamin D can result in an overdose. This is actually how many rodent poisons work. With UVB induced photosynthesis of vitamin D3, the risk of overdose is potentially reduced since his has been discovered to be a biologically regulated process. UVB is necessary for the physiological health of pet birds.

[JillyBeanz]

Really interesting read Dave - and obviously UV is so beneficial. Thank you very much for this.

My only problem is that Harvey is hardly ever in his cage - how could I introduce UV lighting when he's all over the house (accompanied of course) - also how much of it does he need? I do use D3 supplementation, along with a healthy and varied diet - but would obviously do anything that would aid further. Thanks in advance. Jill x

[Joolesgreyuk]

Dave you are a mine of information. Thank you for that.

[SchroedersJen]

I would really like to download Dave's brain.

[tommyvo09]

what a great info, thanks.
Great little topic.
And Nice work--thank you for sharing- for me this makes perfect sense though.
financement credit personnel | taux demande simulation pret en ligne Ã* la disposition des particuliers un logiciel pour une simulation de prêt personnel en ligne financement credit personnel | taux demande simulation pret en ligne

[spookychick13]

Where is a good place to buy such a light, if I may ask?

Thanks in advance!

[Dave007]

In certain areas, they can be had easily. In other areas they're not popular. In large pet stores, a certain type of uvb bulb is made for reptiles. Reptiles can't survive without that type of light.
Birds can survive without that light although it's much healthier for them to have it. If they're hard to find, here are 2 sites that sell the whole setup--bulb, stand etc.

www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/full-spectrum-light-for

Pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.Com/petsupplies/Uvb%20Bulb

Others here can tell you how and where they got they're setups.

Sorry that I couldn't give you more sites. I'm familar with these two and their product is good. The prices are fair.

Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/10/21 18:56<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/10/21 19:04

[pixie]

Can uvb bulbs made for reptiles be used for birds ?

[Dave007]

Not really. The type that's used for reptiles also has UVB and UVA content and the UVA in those bulbs has to do with mercury. Although both types of bulbs do the same thing ( Vit D3 ), the reptile version must be kept very close to them to provide extreme warmth because reptiles are cold blooded animals and the lighting for birds has nothing to do with warmth and should be not kept extremely close to them. It's the spectrum of rays that benefits a bird. Most reptile UVB bulbs are made so that they can sit on fish tanks which can be kept warm.

[Lex]

i`m going to get this set up for my cag i was told use it for about 4 hours aday? i would use this on a timer but should i have it 4 hours solid or broken up in the four times if you know what i mean?? also what times of the day would you guys set this up for? many thanks.