Understanding Infrared Light: A Spectrum Beyond Visibility

Before delving into the specific benefits for pet birds, it's essential to grasp the nature of infrared light. Infrared radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, encompassing wavelengths longer than those of visible light. While humans perceive only a fraction of this spectrum, pet birds, with their specialized vision, can detect a broader range of wavelengths, including those in the infrared region.

The Importance of Natural Sunlight: A Holistic Approach

In the wild, birds are exposed to the full spectrum of natural sunlight, which includes ultraviolet (UV) light and infrared radiation. Mimicking these conditions in captivity is crucial for maintaining the health of pet birds. Natural sunlight provides a balanced blend of visible and invisible light components, each contributing to the bird's physical and psychological well-being. 

Birds need natural sunlight for vitamin D production; hormone balance; and organ, skin, and feather health. While we can try to emulate natural light in captivity, there is no substitute for the real deal. 

For pet birds, a minimum of 1 hour of direct sunlight exposure per week is recommended for adequate vitamin D production. But the more you can give them, the better. You can do so by building an aviary in your yard or by taking your bird outside in a travel cage or carrier. If you don't have predatory raptors, such as hawks or eagles, in your area and if your bird has very strong recall in a variety of settings, including outside, then you can also choose to take your bird (with a harness on) outside with you without any sort of enclosure. No synthetic vitamin D supplement can ever replace the benefits of natural sunlight. Make an effort to place your birds in direct sunlight during the morning and evening hours! No excuses. 

When taking your bird outside isn't an option due to extreme temperatures or incomplete training, make sure your bird is getting enough pellets (50-70% of the bird's diet) with synthetic vitamin D and/or is getting enough foods that are high in natural vitamin D. Read my blog about vitamin D here: The Role of Vitamin D To Your Budgie's Health - TheBudgieBlog. 

Also, making sure that birds live and play in rooms with lots of natural light can also help psychologically. But it will do nothing to help them physically because window glass filters out the ultraviolet (UV) rays that are necessary for vitamin synthesis, organ function, and hormone production.

Indoor full-spectrum lights for birds

Not only do birds see a larger portion of the color spectrum than we do (they’re able to see ultraviolet light), but they also see light faster than we do. Light hits our eyes in waves, and when those waves get fast enough our brains perceive it as solid light. Because birds see light faster than we do, the waves have to be faster for them to perceive the light as being solid. 

This means the regular light bulbs we use in our homes, which give off solid light to us, appear to be flickering to our birds. Imagine living in a world of flickering light bulbs. How irritating! How disorienting! How headache-inducing! It's no wonder that pet birds can seem agitated and cranky so often.

Do not place infrared light bulbs too close to your birds as the heat will burn them. Do not use it for more than 20-30 mins.

The measurement that indicates the speed of light waves emanating from a light bulb is called the color rendering index (CRI). Birds start perceiving light as being solid at a CRI of 91, so the CRI of light bulbs used around pet birds needs to be at least 91. Most full-spectrum light bulbs meet that minimum requirement, but you can also find photography light bulbs with a CRI of 91+ at a much cheaper cost than full-spectrum bulbs.

Another note about full-spectrum lights for birds: They aren't a sufficient replacement for natural sunlight. That's because the UV rays only extend about 18 inches from the bulb itself, but keeping full-spectrum lights that close to a bird's cage tends to cause corneal scarring in their eyes. Also, full-spectrum bulbs only produce UVB for about six months, so after that they aren't even providing the physical benefits they claim to. Nevertheless, they are useful as replacements for regular light bulbs in terms of allowing the birds to see their full-color spectrum and in solid light instead of flickering light. 

Vitamin D Synthesis: Illuminating Skeletal Health

One of the primary health benefits associated with exposure to natural sunlight, including infrared light, is the synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, playing a pivotal role in bone formation and skeletal health. Pet birds, like their wild counterparts, require access to natural sunlight to stimulate the production of vitamin D in their bodies.

Infrared light, specifically the IR-A (near-infrared) spectrum, contributes to this process. When birds are exposed to sunlight, their skin synthesizes previtamin D3, which is then converted into active vitamin D3 under the influence of UVB radiation. While infrared light itself does not directly participate in vitamin D synthesis, its presence in natural sunlight ensures that pet birds receive a well-rounded spectrum of light, optimizing the conditions for vitamin D production.

In captivity, providing access to full-spectrum lighting that includes UVB radiation is essential. These artificial light sources simulate natural sunlight and enable pet birds to engage in vitamin D synthesis, promoting robust bone health and preventing conditions like metabolic bone disease.

Psychological Well-being: Light as a Mood Enhancer

Beyond its physiological effects, light, including infrared radiation, significantly influences the psychological well-being of pet birds. Exposure to natural sunlight has been linked to improved mood, increased activity levels, and reduced stress in birds. Infrared light, even though not visible to the human eye, contributes to creating a lighting environment that aligns with the conditions birds experience in the wild.

Studies have shown that natural light, which includes both visible and invisible components, positively affects the behavior of birds. Pet birds exposed to a lighting environment that replicates the natural day-night cycle, including infrared components, exhibit more regular patterns of activity, sleep, and vocalization. This mimicking of natural conditions helps alleviate stress and contributes to a more enriching and fulfilling environment for pet birds.

Feather Health and Coloration: The Radiance of Well-nourished Plumage

The vibrancy of a bird's plumage is not only an aesthetic delight but also an indicator of its overall health. Feathers, the defining characteristic of birds, serve various functions, including insulation, communication, and, in the case of pet birds, aesthetic display. Infrared light indirectly influences feather health by supporting the nutritional processes that contribute to vibrant plumage.

As mentioned earlier, exposure to natural sunlight, which includes infrared components, is vital for the synthesis of vitamin D. Vitamin D, in turn, plays a role in calcium metabolism, contributing to the formation of strong and healthy feathers. Ensuring that pet birds receive an appropriate diet rich in calcium and other essential nutrients, combined with access to natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting, promotes the development of well-nourished and lustrous plumage.

Regulating Circadian Rhythms: A Dance of Light and Dark

Infrared light, in conjunction with other components of the natural light spectrum, helps regulate the circadian rhythms of pet birds. Circadian rhythms are the biological processes that follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, influenced by environmental cues such as light and darkness. Maintaining a consistent day-night cycle, including exposure to natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting, is crucial for synchronizing the circadian rhythms of pet birds.

Properly regulated circadian rhythms contribute to overall health by influencing various physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. Infrared light, as part of the complete light spectrum, aids in creating a lighting environment that supports the natural circadian rhythms of pet birds, promoting a sense of regularity and balance in their daily lives.

Reproductive Health: The Light of Life

For pet birds intended for breeding, the role of light, including infrared components, becomes even more critical. Light exposure influences the reproductive cycles of birds, influencing factors such as hormonal secretion and breeding behavior. Providing an appropriate lighting environment with a consistent day-night cycle helps regulate the reproductive processes of pet birds, contributing to successful breeding outcomes.

Infrared light, as part of the broader spectrum, plays a role in maintaining the hormonal balance necessary for breeding. While specific wavelengths within the spectrum may directly influence hormonal regulation, the overall impact of a well-designed lighting environment, including infrared components, is significant in fostering reproductive health in pet birds.

Illuminating the Path to Avian Well-being

In conclusion, the benefits of infrared light for the health and well-being of pet birds are multifaceted and interconnected. From the synthesis of essential vitamins for robust bone health to the psychological enrichment derived from exposure to natural sunlight, infrared light plays a vital role in the holistic care of pet birds.

I use the IR light bulb when any of my birds are feeling ill, the warmth of the light bulb soothes them and they recover faster. Birds tend to have trouble regulating their body temperature when sick.

Materials used: Sanitas Infrarotlampe SIL 06, inkl. Schutzbrille (otto.de). 

As responsible caregivers, understanding the nuanced relationship between birds and light allows us to create environments that support their physical and emotional needs. Whether through access to natural sunlight, the use of full-spectrum lighting, or the consideration of circadian rhythms, integrating the positive influence of infrared light into the lives of pet birds contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. By embracing the radiant connection between birds and light, we can enhance the lives of our feathered companions and provide them with the illuminating care they deserve.