Why Full-Spectrum Lighting?
Breeders know that the length of the day influences mating and
egg-laying activity and they often provide artificial lighting to
improve reproductive performance. Recent studies have shown that while
most artificial light provides a poor substitute for sunlight, some
fluorescent lights, particularly full-spectrum lights, do provide many
of the stimulation and health benefits of unfiltered sunlight.
It is known that birds synthesize vitamin D3 on their skin in the
presence of ultraviolet radiation (UV) from sunlight or full-spectrum
artificial lighting. This vitamin is essential in the metabolism of
calcium. Calcium cannot be absorbed by the intestines nor can the
bird's blood level be regulated without the presence of D3. Since we
cannot depend only on diet to provide sufficient D3, UV light is
essential to full calcium utilization. (See Bird Talk April 1992.) Click on photos below to order.
Commonly asked questions about using full-spectrum lighting:
• How long do I leave it on? - From sunrise to sunset. You can also use a timer to turn the light on or off.
• How far away should it be? - As close as practical. You cannot overexpose.
• How long does the tube last? - Full-spectrum tubes should be replaced once a year to retain full effect.
Avitech
P.O. Box 329 Frazier Park, CA 93225 (800) 646-BIRD
