Can you use reptile lights for birds?
Reptile lights are extremely dangerous and should NEVER be used for birds. These emit heat and offer little value to a bird while putting them in extreme danger at the same time. There is a reason these lights are reserved for reptiles and that’s the only situation they should be utilized in.
Otherwise, it’s highly recommended to look forwards avian-friendly light sources at home.
The benefits of a good light source include:
- Consistent Lighting
- Keeps the Bird Energetic
- Easy to Set Up and Safe
Can you use reptile lights for birds? No, but it’s not impossible to light up a birdcage or the surrounding environment with the appropriate strategy. It’s essential to focus on what does work and what other bird owners use in situations such as these.
As long as you do this, the birdcage is going to be appropriately illuminated and will look the way it is supposed to.
This guide is going to focus on what to use instead of reptile lights for birds and what your strategy should be as a bird owner.
Best Lights for Birds (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Light bulb sold seperately
- Brings the Sun Indoors
- Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available
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Tips on Lighting a Birdcage at Home
Tip #1: Use a Specialized Lamp
A specialized lamp is the best artificial option that is going to be readily available to you on the open market. These lamps such as the Zoo Med AvianSun Deluxe Floor Lamp are exceptionally well-designed, powerful, and are going to get the job done for your birdcage.
The beauty of having this type of set up is regulating how much light is entering the cage.
You are going to enjoy being able to use this around the clock without having to worry about the sun going down or having to deal with fading light sources. The lamp is easy to set up and is going to yield amazing results once it is ready to go.
Don’t be afraid to put one of these lamps into action to see how your birds react.
If you want to light a birdcage, you are going to have plent of options to go through.
This is why a lot of bird owners end up asking, “Can you use reptile lights for birds?” even though that is an unsafe and reckless option.
It is better to go with a specialized lamp such as this and gain good value out of the set up.
Tip #2: Focus on Natural Light Sources
Natural light sources are a major plus point and a tactic you have to think about.
The idea is to bring the birdcage closer to the window and let natural light flow into the room. This is far easier and more natural for birds because it is going to fit a natural pattern they are biologically prepped for.
Anything artificial isn’t normal and is going to worsen their quality of life depending on how it is used or set up. This is why you are always better off to plan with the use of natural light and then go from there.
A lot of people worry about what they are doing and that should never be the case.
It’s a lot easier to think about moving forward with a natural light addition to the birdcage. This means bringing it closer to the window or having it in a room that is flooded with natural light already. It is these simple adjustments that are going to be great for the birds.
Don’t only look towards adding lights to the cage when that isn’t the safest way to go. It is better to focus on natural light because it will do a good job during the day.
Tip #3: Brighten the Surrounding Environment
This is a simple tip and one that is going to reap rewards for those who consider it.
In essence, you are going to think about brightening the surrounding environment instead of going with a concentrated light source inside the birdcage.
For example, let’s assume you have a birdcage set up in the bedroom. Why not make sure the light sources present in the bedroom are stronger and emit more light? This is a great way to keep the main light output away from the birds.
The benefits include:
- Increased Light in the Birdcage
- Fast Results
- Easy to Set Up
For most situations, this is going to be more than enough to get the job done.
The birdcage is going to be illuminated the way you want it to be and the birds aren’t going to be in danger. This is a major worry for bird owners but it doesn’t have to be when you think outside the box.
Don’t only focus on illuminating the birdcage when that doesn’t have to be an option. Instead, you can look towards illuminating the room with a good light source and still add more light to the birdcage from the outside.
Tip #4: Never Use Heated Light Sources
This is a critical tip and one you have to focus on as a bird owner.
You may be tempted by the idea of asking, “Can you use reptile lights for birds?” and that’s okay, but it should never be considered a reasonable option! It is unsafe and is going to put your bird under tremendous duress for no reason at all.
Instead, you want to look at lightweight, easy-going light sources that are avian-friendly.
This includes not using something that emits too much heat and is going to warm up the birdcage to the point of becoming uncomfortable for the bird.
The best part about avian-friendly lights has to do with the reduced heat output.
If you have a sick bird at home, you may think about using light as a way to keep them comfortable. However, a lot of the times the light doesn’t help as much as you think and puts the bird under pressure due to the unnatural lighting.
It’s essential to think about how it’s going to impact your bird before moving forward with any adjustment.
It’s imperative to make sure you are going with the best lights that are specifically designed for birdcages.
Final Thoughts
Can you use reptile lights for birds?
No, you should be looking at other, less riskier options that aren’t going to put birds in danger. It’s essential to think about your options and only focus on a solution that’s versatile.
Anything that puts your bird in harm’s way is never going to be a reasonable or useful option. This is why reptile lights are best left for snakes and other animals.
For your birds, it’s best to look at the recommended lighting options in this guide!
Most bird owners will want to set up a detailed strategy as soon as possible, but sometimes it’s best to focus on natural light. This is always going to be the ideal environmental light source for your bird and it’s going to yield good results too.
A lot of bird owners want to create artificial light sources and those do work, but sometimes it’s better to stick to what’s already present.
For more on how to help your bird inside its cage, here are articles that will offer great insight – helping a bird with a broken limb, tips for cleaning bird poop, tips for getting a bird to talk properly, and reasons for why a parrot regurgitates its food.