Buy a new bulb?

[HollyTark]

Ok folks I need some opinions, advice, suggestions whatever you want to call them...

I have one of those ZooMed lamp fixtures. I use it because getting my little birds outside doesn't happen as often as it should right now. Well the bulb broke on me this morning. It's a few years old so I wasn't surprised.

Anywhoo I'm wondering if I should replace it or look into a different bulb or fixture set up? There's so many articles that contradict each other and I've read through lots. Some say bulbs are worth it others say they're useless.

My birds seems to enjoy sitting near it and I move it around the room to accommodate each cage.

So should I buy a replacement bulb?

[HollyTark]

Well I guess I'll chime back in. I've done some more research on the issue and have decided to not only replace the bulb but purchase other bulbs for the ceiling lamp and the table lamp in the bird room. They do spend a lot if their time in their room so I think this would be best to provide the right light.

If anyone else has any input I would appreciate it!

[LauraFord]

Hi Holly,

There is a trick to using UVB bulbs for them to be of any worth at all. First the UV disapates long before the bulb burns out, some where between 6 to 12 months after you start using it, so they need to be replaced often. And for the UV rays to actually reach the birds they need to be within 18-24 inches of it. The bulbs sold for reptiles are exactly the same as the ones for birds, but are far cheeper.
For room lighting I use the compact florecent blubs that replecate the coloration of daylight, but these are not the same as UV bulbs.
Note of caution, all florecent bulbs contain small amount of mercury, which can escape into the air if the glass of the bulb is broken.