Direct sun?

[brianlinkles]

I am wondering if just being outside is enough sun? When it is recommended that our birds (greys in particular) need sunlight does it have to be direct sun? I have set up an area outside on our back porch with a large hanging grapevine sphere for my birds to hang out on. For most of the day it is in the shade, maybe with part of it being in the sun. Is this enough sunlight or do they actually have to be in the actual sun? I worry about them over heating. They love hanging outside with me however I may need to set up another area that is in direct sunlight.

[Jayd]

This is Greyt, but they should have some unshaded sun and your shade that they can retreat into..........sounds good

[judygram]

Yes just like us they need some direct sun to benefit from but like Jay stated they need the option of getting into some shade while outside so they don't get overheated.

[brianlinkles]

Thanks for the responses, when they are in the shady areas does this help at all with the vitamin D? Do they actually need to be directly in the sun to benefit? I am just asking because I am wondering if just being outside in the shade also has any benefits. I hope I am not sounding too confusing.

[Dave007]

Thanks for the responses, when they are in the shady areas does this help at all with the vitamin D? Do they actually need to be directly in the sun to benefit? I am just asking because I am wondering if just being outside in the shade also has any benefits. I hope I am not sounding too confusing.

 

Yes, they do need sun. Not much but they do need it. If you have an area which lets the sun shine in for a part of the day then you needn't worry about how much sun time the bird needs. A wild animal such as a grey will put themselves in the sun when it needs to and will leave the sun when it needs to. The important thing is to have these 2 accesssible areas available at all times. Worrying about the amount of VIT D3 isn't important as long as you know that the rays of the sun will provide it.