Sunlight

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Caged birds rarely receive enough sunlight and, therefore,

rarely benefit from its ultraviolet radiation.  Ultraviolet (UV)

light is necessary to facilitate certain chemical reactions

within the skin that in turn, enable optimal absorption of

calcium (necessary for healthy muscles and bones) by the

intestinal tract.  There is no UV light benefit when sunlight is

received through window glass.  Consequently, you should take

your bird outside on warm, sunny days as often as possible.

Your bird's wings should be clipped, or the bird should be

securely confined within a suitable cage.  Make certain that

neighborhood cats and wild birds are prevented access to your

bird.  It is also important for you to provide areas of sunlight

and shade for your bird so that it can move into the shade if it

becomes too warm.



Many bird owners use artificial UV light sources to replace the

regular incandescent and fluorescent lightbulbs in the rooms in

which their birds are housed.  The most popular and recommended

light source of this type is the Vita-Lite (Duro-Lite Lamps,

Duro-Test Corp., Lyndhurst, NJ  07071).