Do Budgies Need Sunlight? ( Complete Guide)

Last Updated on August 1, 2022 by Ali Shahid

I always let my budgies enjoy the sunlight coming from the front room on a sunny day. Sunbathing is one of their favorite activities. In the past, I’ve always found it amusing, and just thought it was one of their quirks.

During a recent conversation with a friend, he mentioned that he makes sure his budgies are exposed to sunlight every day. The question of whether budgies need sunlight motivated me to investigate the issue. Do Budgies need sunlight?

While it depends on a variety of factors, there are ways to give budgies adequate sunlight, even if you live in the Arctic circle. Let’s take a closer look at the question in more detail and see what we can learn from it.

Is Sunlight Good for Budgies?

In the avian world, the term cholecalciferol is used to refer to Vitamin D3. Budgies can ingest Vitamin D3 in their food, but sunlight is required to activate its benefits. An important benefit is the budgie’s body absorbs calcium and phosphorus.

The amount of Vitamin D your budgie absorbs per pound of pellets depends on how much it eats. Until the bird is exposed to the sun, it will sit dormant. Direct sun exposure is required, so an open window won’t do.

The budgie can absorb calcium into its bloodstream as soon as it is provided with the benefits of D3. According to Veterinary Clinics of North America, birds’ internal organs and strong bone growth require calcium for optimal performance.

The absorption and excretion of phosphorus are also regulated by vitamin D3. Minerals like this one keep budgies’ skeletons healthy and strong. Additionally, it promotes egg production in females by balancing their hormones.

The only way in which vitamin D3 can be obtained is through food and sunlight. Supplements should only be given when recommended by a veterinarian for your bird. Your bird can become ill from too much Vitamin D.

Should budgies be kept in sunlight?

Budgies are known as parrots, but did you know they’re also called parakeets? Originally from Australia, they’re usually thought of as outdoor pets due to their exposure to sunlight and fresh air.

You will need to provide your budgie with the best indoor accommodations if you cannot give them a nice aviary. It is important that your enclosure is well-lit, has plenty of fresh air, and is always well-stocked with food and water.

If you observe your bird’s feathers regularly for signs of discoloration, you will know if it is getting enough sunlight.

How Long Should Budgies Be Kept in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is beneficial to budgies, but only to the extent that they are exposed. As a general rule, five minutes per day are sufficient, but there are several variables to take into account, such as season, temperature, and location of the cage.

Budgies cannot be placed in direct sunlight at high noon in some areas during the summer. Window glass blocks ultraviolet rays, so outdoor light is best. Keep your bird out of direct sunlight when it is unsupervised.

Side Effect of Too Much Sunlight

Budgies indeed require sunlight to survive, but they can overheat very quickly when exposed to it. Heatstroke is one of the most common illnesses among birds, especially when they are taken for a vet’s visit in a hot car.

Your budgie may be suffering from heat stroke if he pants and holds his wings out from his body. In addition to that, he may display a dull expression on his face or become agitated.

He needs to be immersed in room-temperature water and removed from heat and light as soon as possible. When heat stroke is left untreated, it can cause convulsions, fever, and even death if.

UV Lights For Budgies

There are three types of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. A bird (and a reptile) can see UVA, which could aid them in selecting ripe food and identifying mates. UVB triggers vitamin D production, also known as the “sunshine vitamin”.

 Budgies need vitamin D for calcium metabolism and immune function. The earth’s ozone layer normally filters out UVC and it is not present on earth. The cornea, eyelids, and skin can also become inflamed when exposed to high doses of UVA and UVB radiation.

It is sometimes possible to synthesize UVC to sterilize microorganisms synthetically. Bird lights are available at most pet stores. An enclosure-fitting fluorescent bulb is also available at your local hardware store.

To be effective, the fixture must be mounted at least 12 inches above the top of the cage and 10-12 inches along the cage’s sides.

It is recommended that the bulb emits UVB radiation for 5-10 hours every day and provides enough UVA illumination to provide comfort for your pet.

The lamp shouldn’t be larger than 12 inches and should not have more than 8 watts of power. By seeking shade, the budgie will be able to regulate its body temperature and light levels.

As a final note, it should be noted that budgies are notorious for chewing on electrical wires. If you are choosing a lamp, select or modify a model that minimizes the danger potential.

Conclusion

Budgies must be exposed to sunlight or UV light for about 10-20 minutes every day to stay healthy and happy. It is ideal to do this daily, but every 2-3 days is sufficient. During the rest of the day, let it enjoy direct sunlight through a window.

To prevent damage to their eyes and sensitive skin, budgies must not be exposed to direct sunlight for a long period.