DRY FOODS, FORMULAS & SUPPLEMENTS

Ideal for species which, in the wild, consume a significant amount of fruits and seeds from oleaginous plants (genera Psittacus, Ara, Poicephalus).

Available in 800g, 3Kg and 12Kg bags

KEEPER BASICS: ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AND BIRD HEALTH

Birds are very closely related to reptiles. In fact, turtles and crocodiles are more closely related to birds than they are to lizards and snakes. We understand that most reptiles need UVB for physiological development and all reptiles will have some form of relationship with the sun. Whilst we might not understand this relationship completely, hobbyists still provide some level of UV to ensure that they are not denying their animals something which they would have access to in the wild. We understand that amphibians, mammals (including humans) and even invertebrates may benefit from UV exposure. However, there are some polarising views on the need to provide adequate UV for pet parrots.

Natural behaviours

Birds, particularly the brightly coloured parrots that are most popular in the pet trade love the sun. From budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) that cross huge expanses of desert in some of the most sun-drenched regions of Australia, to the toucans (Ramphastos sp.) that sit atop the canopies of tropical forests in Central and South America, wild birds are typically exposed to a lot of sunlight. They even possess a pineal gland, like that of many reptiles and amphibians, that can sense UV radiation which helps them establish periodicity in their day-to-day lives. This determines when they should roost, feed, mate and enact various other biological functions. When birds migrate, it is typically triggered by changing photoperiods as opposed to temperature and humidity. As the days get shorter, many birds from temperate climates will take this cue to move towards the equator where the days are longer, and they have more time to feed and socialise. Even without analysing the biochemical role of sunlight in pet birds, it is important to consider that light plays a huge role in the day-to-day wellbeing of wild birds.

UV-B

Although light is essential for bird wellbeing, some argue that UV is unnecessary. The main justification for this claim is that UV does not penetrate feathers and thus the exposure to certain wavelengths is negligible. A quick look at parrot morphology will argue that parrots have evolved with this in mind. Species that spend a lot of time beneath a leafy canopy, such as macaws or African greys have far more exposed skin (particularly around the face) than those that inhabit sparser regions or sit atop the trees. Some aviculturists even theorise that captive parrots will pluck their feathers deliberately to expose more skin to make better use of limited ultraviolet light. Like reptiles, birds require vitamin D to synthesise calcium. Although fortified pellets will contain some level of both elements, UVB radiation is a catalyst in this absorption. Dr Karen Becker explains “Pet birds have a preen gland above the base of their tail that secretes oil. Inside this gland are vitamin D precursors which come out in the oil.” Birds generally spend a third of their day eating, a third of their day playing or napping and a third of their day grooming. When they groom, they spread this oil over their feathers. Dr Becker continues “when the oil is in direct contact with ultraviolet light the vitamin D precursors turn into vitamin D. As the bird re-grooms the oil they ingest that vitamin D which becomes active vitamin D for the kidneys and liver.”

There are some considerations the keeper must make before adding artificial lighting to their set-up. As birds are not ectothermic and do not ‘bask’, there have been relatively few studies into appropriate amounts of UV provision – especially when compared to reptiles. Too much UVB can have negative implications and cause macular degeneration, cataracts and blindness. This is because birds have developed highly specialised eye media to protect their sensitive eyes from overexposure to the sun’s radiation. It is therefore extremely important that hobbyists using a UVB lamp fix this at an appropriate distance from the top of the cage.

As bird cages often have diverse designs, a lamp that emits UVB horizontally and directly into the bird’s eye can be dangerous. Most lighting products aimed at birds only produce a small amount of UVB and UVA to cater for this. Keepers should not aim to estimate a parrot’s UV requirements based on their geographical range without significant scientific research to back these claims. Overexposure to blue lights can also adjust the sexes of chicks in breeding females and therefore using LED lights aimed at the aquatics market is also a potentially problematic move. Keepers looking to provide UV to their birds should always choose a bird-focused product.

UV-A

Birds can see UVA waves. Unlike humans which only see wavelengths within the ‘visible light spectrum’, birds can see far beyond this and many experts believe they can experience around 100 times the amount of colours that humans can see. They were some of the first creatures to develop colour-vision to aid them in selecting the ripest fruits and distinguishing edible berries from poisonous ones. This link between colour vision and UVA also explains why some birds possess dazzling iridescent plumage or develop intricate mating rituals to flash their feathers. Even popular pet birds such as budgerigars will glow magnificently under black light – a strategy that helps them find a suitable mate in flocks of up to a hundred birds.

Even if a parrot is kept in a bright room with plenty of natural sunlight it should still have exposure to full spectrum lighting. Neither UVA nor UVB can penetrate glass, meaning a pet bird that is kept close to a window is colourblind in comparison to the birds outside. This is a troubling concept for many keepers, especially at a time when energy prices are so high. As we cannot see UV, it is easily forgotten about. Therefore, unless the keeper has invested in a solarmeter, it is important to replace the UV emitting bulb each year to ensure maximum efficacy. Of course, the easiest way to provide well balanced, full-spectrum light is to take the bird outside. Even if this is only for a short period, a well-constructed aviary will allow the bird to stretch its wings and receive important UV exposure. Bird cages can be moved outside in the summer, but the keeper should be considerate that many smaller parrots may find this restrictive and aerial predators such as birds of prey may increase stress levels, meaning the caged bird should be observed at all times. The keeper should start with 5-10 minute sessions and build this up over time. Adding shelter, such as a towel to three sides of the cage then slowly removing it as the bird becomes more confident is a good strategy. Those lucky enough to have space for an aviary can create a very basic setup to be utilised on the sunniest days, with some shelter and some sunny perches. Regardless of the method used, the bird should be able to transition between sun and shade at its leisure.

To UV or not to UV…

Although there is much to learn about the role of UV in avian physiology, current research suggests that the provision of small amounts of UVA and UVB is extremely beneficial to the wellbeing of pet parrots. Whilst constructing an outdoor aviary is preferable, it is not always an option for every keeper. Therefore, investing in a good quality bird-focused UV lamp can at least provide a beneficial substitute. Photoperiodicity is extremely important for birds’ wellbeing and all lighting fixtures should be run through a timer to provide a consistent and reliable day/night cycle. This aspect of pet care is often neglected, particularly for animals which are housed in living rooms and communal areas. Artificial lighting can be an excellent tool for establishing a routine for such intelligent birds, even if many benefits are still to be discovered.