Birds use the suns energy for warmth, to view the world in colour and to be able to make their own essential Vitamin D3.

Having optimal levels of Vitamin D3 within the body will help to keep your pet bird in good health. Vitamin D3, made in the body after exposure to UV-B also enables a bird to assimilate, store and use essential minerals such as Calcium. Without optimum levels of D3 stored in the body essential minerals such as Calcium simply pass through the body unused.

Having access to natural D3 will not only help to protect your bird’s brain, organ and muscle function but it will also help to greatly increase bone density, improve egg quality, reduce ‘soft-shell’, improve reproduction and maintain feather condition.

When used correctly full-spectrum+UV-B bird lighting can also aid birds that habitually pluck. It is felt that the removal of feathers is one way that birds seek to expose the body to sunlight and as such try to balance D3 stores. If the bird does not have a regular level of exposure to unfiltered daylight (windows remove 100% of UV-B) the birds blood chemistry never stabilises and the bird will carry on removing feathers.

We have seen many cases of habitual plucking cease and feathers regrow after a bird has been given access to quality bird lighting and supplied a natural mineral mix powder within the diet.

Birds also use Sunlight to ‘activate’ natural colour vision. The Arcadia Bird Lamp contains the correct balance of UV-A (12%) which enables this. UV-A is also important within the natural UV-B to D3 cycles where it plays an important role in the natural self-regulation of D3 production.

Birds have developed to use the suns energy in the wild to be able to view the world, but to also start and maintain many of their core biological processes. By providing this energy in a safe and measured way for captive birds we as keepers ensure that our birds live a long and happy life.

Unlike LED systems made for birds and reptiles, Arcadia Bird Full-Spectrum+UV-B lamps produce both UV-A and UV-B. LEDs may be advertised as being ‘full-spectrum’ but they are not able to produce the vital health give wavelengths of light within ultraviolet. In this case it is vital that the terms ‘Full-Spectrum’ and ‘Full-Spectrum+UV-B’ are understood.

Bird lamps remain UV-B potent (within <40% of total output) for one whole year of use. This is based on using the correct controller and a maximum 12 hour a day photoperiod.

Health concerns should always be reported to a suitable vet who can access the bird properly.

Minerals can only be assimilated stored and used if they are available in the diet and the body has sufficient Vit D3 reverse. A multi-mineral powder such as EarthPro-A can be used alongside EarthPro-CalciumProMg to aid this process.

The D3 cycle is a formal biological cycle.

It is dependent in the completion of the whole cycle.
Birds need adequate exposure to UV-B alongside periods of total darkness.
Birds must be well hydrated at all times, provided a stress-free environment in which to live and fed a full and varied wild-like diet.
Do not allow birds long exposure to bird lamps at a distance closer than stipulated by the product.
Humans should remain 12” or more away from the lamp.
Lamps should be turned off before cage maintenance is carried out.
Bird lamps should not be sprayed with water directly.
To be sure of UV-B potency, replace bird lamps once yearly.

The D3 Cycle…