Customer Reviews

Zoo Med Labs Avian Sun 5.0 Compact Florescent Bulb

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Blub is a good "substitute" for sunlight, providing a broad spectrum of light that is not available from incandescent or ordinary florescent bulbs. Birds need sunlight for their health. While my birds (6 zebra finches) receive indirect sunlight, but much less than in nature, the blub makes up for the sunlight deficit. It also brings out the colors in my birds and makes it more enjoyable for me and others to watch or view them, since it provides a diffused canopy of light. The birds are much more active when the light is on. Thus, I would conclude that the birds enjoy the light. Blub should be placed where birds do not stare at it (for example, place light above the cage and not on the side of the cage). Staring at the light could damage the birds' eyes. Bulb was very bright for about 5 days, during the break-in period that the manufacturer notes, but then it dimmed to a more natural level. I am very pleased with product, and I plan to continue using it. I think that the blub will be effective for about one year and then I plan to replace it. The price that I paid was reasonable. I could not find the blub at my local pet shops. I have read that some blubs for lighting reptile habitats can be used with birds, but I prefer to remove any doubt about that and purchase a bulb labeled for use with birds.

The product arrived as expected, quickly and in a box. I screwed it in and it appeared to work, but when I attempted to screw it back out I inadvertently applied a bit of pressure to the base of the tubes because I could not easily unscrew the base, and one of the tubes cracked. Entirely my fault, but the tiny bit of pressure that was applied would not have damaged similar fluorescents that I have used (i.e. bug lights), so I have subsequently gone to a sturdier, if not quite as "full spectrum" product.

This bulb is easy to install. The light appears to be somewhat soft; there is some heat which dissipates by ordinary window fan exhaust. The birds appear to enjoy the light and they have the UVA/UVB they need when I'm away. Light and fan are on a timer.

Birds love it, I can see an improvement in their health, attitude and appetite. Easy to install.

Ever since I got this lamp for the birds, they love it! At first it was as if they saw themselves for the first time. Since then they enjoy the light, they are happy when the lights are turned on and love to see themselves.

I have not used this product for more than a month, but so far, I very much like the results I see in my little bird's improvement. I am hopeful that continues and that we can use this product for many years to come with good results.

I received this in a very timely and fast manner. I have used the Zoo Med bulb for years. I will note that this particular bulb seems to be stronger and more luminous than the others in the past. This is a good thing. I usually purchase at the store where the bulbs probably sit for a couple years. I will continue to purchase these from the seller. I replace them every six or so months. Thank you!

Great Product, exactly what I needed and ordered.
Combined with excellent service and a speedy delivery!
Will order again from them!

I have used this light for my 3 African Greys in a year. I see their plumage is vibrant, red deep tail feathers. They are happier and healthier under this Avian light. So I bought 2 more for them.

I would not purchase this bulb unless I was given direct instructions to do so by an avian vet. Even then, I would ask some tough questions of the vet as to the effectiveness of such a bulb:

1) Do you know that these bulbs were not originally intended for avian use and are, in fact, repackaged reptile bulbs?

2) Are you aware this bulb has a CRI of 88 and a spectral temperature of 7500K? That there are much better full-spectrum bulbs on the market for a fraction of the price?

3) Did you know that the UVB content of this bulb (5%) is over 50X that of natural sunlight? That too much UVB is associated with corneal burns and cataracts in captive parrots?

4) Did you know that the UVA content of this bulb (30%) is over 6X that of natural sunlight? That since birds see UVA, this will likely result in a distortion of your bird's visual experience?

5) Did you know that South American parrots (Amazons, Pionus, Macaw, Conure) have shown zero effect of UV supplementation on serum vitamin D3 and calcium?

6) Do you understand that it is almost impossible to keep a bird at the recommended distance from a stationary UV source, and that if the bird moves 6-9 inches closer to the bulb they will be receiving 4x the intended UV dose?

Avian lighting is a complex issue that cannot be addressed through the purchase of an overpriced and poorly-tested reptile bulb. Please do your own research before you make any avian lighting purchase. Patrick Thrush's lighting site and the Mickaboo Reading Room are good places to start.