The Difference Between Full Spectrum Bird Cage Bulbs

Last Updated on October 1, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

I was comparing your full spectrum 25 Watt Daylight cage Bulb to the Avian Sun full spectrum 26 watt bulbs sold by zoo-med. What is the UBV wattage (UVA + UVB+ Visable+TRUE full spectrum per ZOO MED)?

Thank you for your inquiry.

We do carry a 25 Watt Full Spectrum Spiral Compact Fluorescent Bulb which retails for much less than the ZooMed bulb.

The difference in bulbs is the metal coatings on the inside of the glass tubes. As the light from the bulb passes through the coated glass, UVA + UVB light waves are added and project from the bulb.

Full Spectrum Economy Daylight Bulb with Clamp Light and Timer

UVB lets birds synthesize Vitamin D3. This process allows for calcium to metabolize. Calcium is important for the strength of bones and the production of eggs.

UVA is visible to birds. It helps them seek mates & tell different species apart.

Both bulbs because of the “full-spectrum” properties will make your bird feel better and do a remarkable job of brightening feather colors.

The other difference is the price. You get what you pay for and the UVA + UVB metal coa26 Watt AvianSun Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb with UVA + UVB by ZooMedtings are expensive making the bulb twice the price of many Full Spectrum 25 Watt Daylight Bird Cage Bulb.

If we drill deeper, we know that there are millions of caged birds around the world who are very healthy due to today’s modern birds but do not have full-spectrum lighting near their cage.

Most of these birds will not be seeking mates nor having to discern other bird species. That said, our economy bulb is a “feel good” bulb. Birds like sunlight and enjoy the quality light from a “full-spectrum” bulb.

Our Indian Ringneck did not visit the Playtop portion of his cage for years until we introduced a full spectrum cage light. From the day the light was installed, he would climb to the top of his birdcage to bask under the new lamp.

UVA + UVB are also supposed to reduce plucking. Sunshine was a plucker in the last years of his life he continued to pluck regardless of the bulbs we introduced to his cages.