UVA and UVB Lighting for Bird, Reptile, and Amphibian

UV (ultraviolet) lighting is the #1 husbandry need for Avian, Reptilian, and Amphibian pets! There are 3 kinds:
- UVA: Unlike mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians are able to see UVA wavelengths. This may be important for:
food selection
, species recognition, habitat selection
, and mate selection.
- UVB: Allows animals to synthesize vitamin D3 in the skin and metabolize calcium in the body. Deficiency will result in:
low blood calcium
, soft eggs (females)
, metabolic bone disease, poor immune system function.
- UVC: Not required. Damaging at high levels
Broad-spectrum bulbs (incandescent lights) typically only contain UVA light.
Full-spectrum bulbs (fluorescent lights ) contain both UVA & UVB light. Go for linear (tube) fluorescents or compact (spiral fluorescents) with a hood to help concentrate the light where you want it.
Use a SCREEN top! Not glass or plastic, as these filter out too much of the beneficial light. Use a screen barrier to prevent your pet from getting to close which may result in burns.

[@corncob2701]

Thank you for the accurate scientific info! Much appreciated!

[@jamal1021]

My bird is sneezing what can I do

[@snakemannn1744]

well explained ,,,,, 👌👌👌👌

[@Jimmuck315]

SO, WHAT SIZE/TYPE OF LIGHT SHOULD I PROVIDE MY CANARIES IN 38''X18''X18'' WIRE CAGES SO THAT I DON'T BURN/OVERHEAT THEM. YOUR INFO WAS GREAT BUT MY EIGHTY YEAR OLD HEAD DIDN'T ABSORB MUCH OF IT, SORRY LASS.

[@sweetiebird544]

Hi jimmuck! My cockatiel went blind due to UVB bulbs that are recommended by almost everybody. Please watch Mark Schack's video on cage lighting. It's long, scientifically boring but tells and shows the truth about these bulbs. My 70yr old brain almost burst but I learned a valuable but too late lesson. Timed photolighting with LED's are the safest for birds. I'm not pushing a product, just info. Good luck!

[@christiansaravia7865]

Thank you! I have reptiles and they have UVB but I'm currently hatching 12 quail eggs for the first time and raising them and it was my understanding they needed UVB but somebody told me they don't, however that just didn't seem accurate to me

[@parrotlove30]

Thanks doc!!! I'm getting a cockatiel soon and my mom didn't get it. She was like you can get what it needs but you aren't getting things for him just because you want it. Prove to me that you need this item..... never mind that I've been doing research for years while waiting till we moved into a place that had the space for the cage...

[@sweetiebird544]

Please don't use a UVB bird light. My cockatiel went blind because UVB causes cataracs. Same reason we wear sunglasses. Please watch Mark Schack of M&M Bird cage lighting. A timed photolight is MUCH more benifical and makes for a happier bird. This is not an ad, I'm seriously concerned about misinformation.

[@djcripel]

Fantastic! Thank you for clarifying this!!

[@frances3889]

do you think i could use a purple light in my frog enclosure? super informative video thanks for uploading:)))

[@jakeryan2805]

I have heard UV bulbs actually cause eye damage to parrots, so which is it? Use uv bulbs, or just use led bulbs

[@sweetiebird544]

Watch Mark Schack's video about UVB lighting and how bad it is for birds eyes (same as ours). Wish I would have known this before my cockatiel went blind. Too much misinformation coming from vets. Not an ad. I'm seriously concerned.

[@penpen1418]

Do u need to have UVB for white tree frogs??? I’ve Ben looking all over the internet and people say it will benefit them, but I also hear that they don’t need it at all. This is something I want to know before I spend money on a UVB light