The importance of full spectrum lies in providing a balanced spectrum and regular photoperiod for your bird. This is not just a couple hours per day, but during a 12 hour period in those times your bird is without natural sunlight. Your bird uses this light to set its internal clock, regulate its endocrine system and metabolism, decide when and how attractively to feather, ward off disease, and remain generally healthy and happy. Proper use of light, ignoring the Vitamin D question is to move beyond myth, and into healthful fact. An issue of recent concern to many veterinarians and bird owners has been the possibility of flicker produced by flourescent lighting.
Flicker is defined as the visible pulsation of a light source.
The current controversy involves the fact that many older or cheap fluorescent fixtures have a flicker at about 60 cycles per second. Unless the lamp is malfunctioning or very old, humans cannot perceive common line voltage frequencies. While the ability of tropical birds to perceive line voltage frequencies is well within the capability of the avian eye and brain, several factors should be considered prior to raising an alarm over the use of standard fluorescent fixtures. Keep in mind throughout this reading section that it is the fixture, and not flourescent tubes which contribute to this issue. It is a recognized fact that all species fare better under the influence of full spectrum lighting solutions.