van Es, J., Zandleven, A. 2023. A UV lamp for birds. RATEL (Journal of the Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers) 50(3-4), 4-7.

For birds, access to direct sunlight (without the use of glass) is very important. If that cannot be achieved in captivity, then at the very least ensure provision of the right UV lamp. Appropriate UV lighting is not only important for birds’ vision, but also for the health of the animals. A bird lamp should emit both sufficient UV-A and UV-B radiation and also be a sufficiently high frequency. Humans see 3 basic colors (green, red and blue) but a bird sees a fourth color, namely UV-A radiation. Providing UV-A radiation ensures that birds see all colors as they are naturally supposed to see them. Proper color vision is essential for partner selection, egg and young recognition, and stress mitigation. UV-B is necessary for the activation of vitamin D3 in the greasy substance secreted by the ‘preen gland’ or the powder in special down feathers. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption; calcium deficiency leads to weak eggshells, muscle weakness, poor plumage, neurological problems, and skeletal deformities in young birds.