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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

832.0. "LET'S TALK LIGHTS!" by SWAM1::DEFRANCO_JE () Tue Nov 09 1993 14:06

    O.K. Back to the bird room.  Now, let's talk lights!  Are regular light
    bulbs enough for the bird room or should I get Vita-lights?  My bird
    room faces north so even though there is a large window and a small sky
    light, the room is somewhat dim.   Do these lights have to be right
    near the cage or several feet away?
    
    How many lights should I have for an 11x12 foot room?  What type of
    wattage would be best for this size room?  How about those new bulbs,
    Chramoloux (sp?)?  Has anyone used these?
    
    I never had to worry about this before because my birds would be put
    out onto the patio several times a week.  This has to stop because my
    new neighbors have several cats that roam free and have been visiting
    my yard (my patio) and terrorizing my birds in their cages.  This really
    aggravates me but there is nothing I can do about it except to fix my bird
    room up with as natural an environemnt as possible.   I feel they are
    unsafe being outside at this time unless I am right there, on the
    patio, to watch over them.  
    
    Any info or suggestions would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jeanne
    
    
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832.12 centsROYALT::PULSIFERUNHAMPERED BY FACTS AND INFORMATIONTue Nov 09 1993 15:5612
    I am sure you will get professioal advice in here in time, but for now:
    
    Regular light bulbs will not simulate natural light. The Vita-lights
    come close. Even natural light coming through windows is not like being
    out side either.
    
    About the Cats, how about borrowing a freinds dog for a while and tying
    it out on the deck.  or maybe a hav-a-hart trap and giving the
    offender a bath before he is released.  I never thought I would be
    in favor of a leash law for cats, but I am starting to see the light.
    OF course it would be even harder to enforce than the leash law for
    dogs. Its really not the animals fault its the unresponsible owners.
832.2Good thoughts, but..!SWAM1::DEFRANCO_JETue Nov 09 1993 17:2721
    re .1
    
    I don't blame the cats, I have 4 of my own and must take considerable
    care to keep them away from my birds.  I've also learned that water
    will not stop the offending kitty.  Just ask my youngest kitty, Gypsy
    who has been squirted, chased, yelled at etc... She still takes every
    chance she gets to approach the bird room door.  She has gotten smarter
    though, she knows to try only when we are not on the look out.  I
    suspect the same would happen with these outdoor kitties.
    
    I also have a dog, but.....when he's out he usually finds a sunny spot
    to sleep in and well, by the time he wakes up and catches on to what's
    happening, the happening is over!  Know what I mean?
    
    I will continue to take my birds out in the sunshine for a few hours on
    the weekend when I can sit with them and keep guard.  I guess I should
    consider this as some good relaxation time.
    
    Jeanne