As the days got shorter this winter, I decided to purchase two full spectrum lights for my 'too's large, 3 x 6 cage. However, I'm not sure that it is necessary to leave them on 12 hours a day. I know for people the health authorities say that you only need 15 minutes of sun exposure to your face and arms in order to get the benefits. Right now, I have the lights turning on for a few hours in the morning (when it is still dark outside) and a few hours in the evening (when it is again dark) in order to maintain my bird on a 12 hour light, 12 hour dark cycle.

Does anyone know if there's research or evidence that I need to leave the full spectrum lights on for a full 12 hours per day?

Thanks, Jacqueline

I have them one for a total of eight hours per day. On at 7a.m. off at noon. On at 3 p.m. off at 6 p.m. This is the only lights I use in there room. They don't get much light as the room faces north. The lights need to be changed about twice a year. They loss about 50% of their effectiveness after about 6 months of use.

I put mine on a timer, on at 10am off at 3pm (my vet said 5-6 hours a day max)