I'm looking for a UVB meter/test within the normal index range that is reliable enough to measure and set up my avian UV lamps for my budgies. Can anybody give me tips what to look for, makes etc.

Edited September 30Sep 30 by StringJunky

I know that the reptile folks have been using a brand called Solarmeter and given how finicky they can be I assume that it works reasonably well. But lit is likely somewhat expensive, which given the cost of the reptiles (and the loss of research if they are unhappy) would probably make sense.

4 minutes ago, CharonY said:

I know that the reptile folks have been using a brand called Solarmeter and given how finicky they can be I assume that it works reasonably well. But lit is likely somewhat expensive, which given the cost of the reptiles (and the loss of research if they are unhappy) would probably make sense.

Thanks. That's the make I've come across as well and seems to be popular with the reptile crowd. It's about what I expect to pay but was hoping for cheaper. Given the energetic nature of uv, I don't want to take any chances. Just have to suck it it up, I guess.

I've learnt something here. I had no idea birds photosynthesise vitamin D from UV just as we do. How does that work, seeing as they are all covered with feathers? Reptiles I can understand as they have bare skin, or just scales that are presumably translucent. But birds?

1 hour ago, exchemist said:

I've learnt something here. I had no idea birds photosynthesise vitamin D from UV just as we do. How does that work, seeing as they are all covered with feathers? Reptiles I can understand as they have bare skin, or just scales that are presumably translucent. But birds?

It has a gland near its backend that produces preen oil, which they spread over their feathers when grooming. UVB activates precursors in that to vitamin D. The bird preens itself again, ingesting the vitamin.

Correction to above: UVB converts 7DHC in the preen oil to pre-vitamin D, the bird ingests that and the liver converts that to active D3.

@Moontanman often has insights into the aquarium best practices which IMO includes the herpetology space so tagging him in case he’s floating around, sees this, and has a recommendation

12 hours ago, StringJunky said:

I'm looking for a UVB meter/test within the normal index range that is reliable enough to measure and set up my avian UV lamps for my budgies. Can anybody give me tips what to look for, makes etc.

I’ve come across the topic of UV monitoring in the context of conserving fragile artefacts and artworks in museums and art galleries respectively (I was an AV technician in a contemporary art centre for some 30 years). It’s quite a complex subject, and doing it to the standards expected of professional conservators can render it very expensive in terms of equipment purchase.

This Museum Galleries Scotland page offers a download link to a PDF guide to the science and technology involved:

https://collectionstrust.org.uk/resource/monitoring-light-and-uv-levels-in-museums/

While this is a link to a commercially available multi-function  UV/Lux Meter -  (at an eye-watering price):

https://conservation-resources.co.uk/products/uv-light-meter-uv-lux?srsltid=AfmBOopTNlFGgstwHp8RwK9Tudp1sDYNCHPdwuzqVndYXznEQzINpXFg

22 hours ago, iNow said:

@Moontanman often has insights into the aquarium best practices which IMO includes the herpetology space so tagging him in case he’s floating around, sees this, and has a recommendation

I found little info on the specifics of UV light and the needs of birds only that they do need it and can see at least some of he UV. Lots of ads promoting various light sources for birds containing UV are available. The following article may have some relevance. I know that good quality foods and calcium carbonate sources can allow turtles to grow correctly with little direct UV but I'm not sure if that applies to birds.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159113001512

Thx for the add, moonman

Thanks for the replies. According to a FB reptile group, who tested meters at all price ranges, the sensor and filter restricts how low the price can go, and that seems to be the Solar Meter 6.5, as Charon mentioned, at about £200. Given that overexposure can cause real harm, that would seem to be the minimum.

It is possible to just use the distance recommended by the bulb maker for each type and and species, but my birds aren't captive, being free flying in the house in the day. Usually, you would set the bulb above the cage and run the bulb to give a set daily dose to the caged birds. My intention is to make a perching area outside the cages with a mix of daylight and uv tubes above the perch (mine are 2ft T5's). The UV light will be on for a sufficient period that they need, depending on how often/how long they sit on that perch.

The daylight bulbs will stay on continuously in the day. I need the meter to get an idea of the dosage at given distances because of their free movement and potential proximity to the light. Picture a uv tube in between one or two daylight tubes hanging above the perch on top of a cage with a simple wood frame for the lights to hang together. I have 6 budgies.

Edited October 3Oct 3 by StringJunky

On 9/30/2025 at 10:41 AM, StringJunky said:

It has a gland near its backend that produces preen oil, which they spread over their feathers when grooming. UVB activates precursors in that to vitamin D. The bird preens itself again, ingesting the vitamin.

Correction to above: UVB converts 7DHC in the preen oil to pre-vitamin D, the bird ingests that and the liver converts that to active D3.

Thanks for that. Not seen that nugget in any of my field guides. Much about its pesticidal properties, aiding feather flexibility, and colouring hornbill's beaks for courtship purposes. But it seems it's an even greater panacea than generally realised.

19 hours ago, sethoflagos said:

Thanks for that. Not seen that nugget in any of my field guides. Much about its pesticidal properties, aiding feather flexibility, and colouring hornbill's beaks for courtship purposes. But it seems it's an even greater panacea than generally realised.

Yes, apparently, it's very important. Uropygial gland is the source of the preen oil. It seems the uv conversion of 7DHC is the same in humans, but the byproduct is absorbed through the skin. Another nod to evolutionary theory being correct.

Edited October 12Oct 12 by StringJunky

Some entrepreeneur will surely try to make a nutritional supplement for cats which works on a similar principle.