Sachi And Emma's Daily Dose of Sunshine..

[lovethatgrey]

I try to get them out there every morning before I go to work even if it is extra work for me.

 

I believe it does them good.

 

For those who don't yet know,

For parrots like pionus parrots, who do not have a uropygial gland, being in "direct"sunshine (sun that is not filtered by glass or window) enables their skin cells to manufacture Vitamin D3 and this aids in calcium absorption.

 

Greys do have the uropygial gland.

This gland secretes an oil which is spread all over the feathers when the grey preens. The purpose is to help keep feathers supple and for waterproofing too.

When exposed to direct sunshine, the secretion on their feathers is converted to an active form of vitamin D, hence the parrot receives this vitamin by ingesting it when they preen.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 7, 2010 by lovethatgrey

[chezron]

Adding sunshine to my bird's daily regimen has helped them immensely! They are calmer and happier with daily sunshine. My vet says it helps with hormone regulation and calcium levels from the Vitamin D activation. I don't know the science but I know it works!

[lovethatgrey]

I think it makes them feel good too.

[Luvparrots]

Great post Adina. Lovely pictures of your two ladies!

[judygram]

Sachi really is a beautiful bird with lovely coloring that seems to brighten up in the sunshine, no wonder she is so special to you, of course Emma is no slouch either, they are both two gorgeous birds.

[lovethatgrey]

Thanks Luvparrots and Judy!!

[JillyBeanz]

What gorgeous pictures of those two! They seem to "smile" at the camera - real divas! I wish here in the UK we had a chance to take them out in the sunshine - take today for instance - overcast, blowing a gale and it's 7 degrees centigrade! Oh what a joy!!!

[lovethatgrey]

Thanks Jilly!! I think being outdoors helps even if it is overcast.

[kihei]

Yes, when I am blue in the winter time, I will tan at a tanning salon for 10 minutes or so..i don't know if it's the Vitamin D, or my imagination, but it always makes me feel better.

[pearllyn]

What beautiful photos of your girls Adina. Emma is beautiful of course, but Sachi has the most stunning colours - she is gorgeous. I agree with you - they feel good getting out in the sunshine, the same as we do, and I think they still benefit even if it's overcast. Although as Jill says, it's often too cold over here, so on days when Alfie can't get real sunshine, she has her UV lamp and she basks unders that!

Thanks for this lovely post.

[lovethatgrey]

Thanks Alfie's Mom!!

[jessdecutie18]

I love the pictures... Yoshi also likes the Florida sunshine Luckily it is often nice weather here!

[Eckobird]

Those are great pictures of Sachi and Emma, the pictures are so clear and show their colors so good. Ecko loves being out in the sun too, he gets really excited.