Have used it for years with my Congo African Grey without any issues. It's been exactly what I've needed and will continue to purchase these into the foreseeable future. I really recommend these, just watch your bird to make sure they don't have any negative reactions. I will say that this one isn’t as bright as they typically are though.My avian vet recommended that I provide UVB light for my budgie even though his cage is located in a bright room. Glass windows filter out most UV light, thus creating deficiencies in companion birds and possibly shortening their lives. Despite my vet's recommendation, I decided to do some research on my own. I questioned how a light bulb, which is generally made of glass, could provide UVB light when a window blocked it. I discovered that these bulbs use quartz to let the UV A and B rays to filter out, and that's why they are more expensive than the non-avian, non-reptile "full spectrum" bulbs you find in the hardware store. Once I realized that, I was ready to spend the extra money to get what my budgie needed.The real problem for me was deciding which brand to purchase. I tried a Feather-Brite bulb and "universal cage" fixture that, sigh, didn't fit on the cage I had. I had to return it; however, through this experiment, I saw that avian bulbs would fit into any normal fixture. I didn't need to purchase the light fixtures manufactured for the individual brand of bulb. Because I didn't like the reviews for the Zoo Med floor lamp and had no ceiling low enough to hang a Feather-Brite swag lamp, I decided to purchase this Zoo Med bulb and find my own floor lamp. Although I didn't find an ideal lamp, I did manage to find a decent-looking one in Home Depot that was the right height and that was sturdy enough to endure. If you go this route, make sure the fixture doesn't have anything resembling a nonstick surface; even though the bulb does not get hot, only warm, it's not worth the risk of poisoning your bird.Why get a bulb that provides both UV A and B? (UV B is rarely provided by non-avian and non-reptile bulbs.) According to common wisdom, UV rays help a bird in many ways. First, UV B rays help them metabolize calcium by prompting the production of D vitamins. Humans need sunlight for that purpose as well, which is why our parents wanted us to go outside to play and why we feel so good when we spend time outside. Since most companion birds don't have access to sunlight, these bulbs provide the closest thing to real daylight. Second, UV A rays help their vision because, unlike us, birds are able to see that part of the spectrum and use it to identify fresh food, mates, safe perches, etc., and seeing well helps their psychological well-being as a result. Imagine being kept in a dim room for your whole life. It is theorized that birds might feel that way since, without UV rays, they are not using the whole spectrum of their vision.I know people have said that the Avian Sun bulb is merely a repackaging of a reptile bulb, but because of the more sensitive nature of a bird's reaction to toxins, I didn't want to take a chance that the reptile version was not suited, although I intend to ask my vet at my next visit. Some bulbs apparently use nonstick/Teflon-like technology, and I don't know how to identify them. Many reptile bulbs also provide heat, so you want to avoid those.This bulb supposedly provides the amount of UV that a bird in nature would receive in the shade, so you shouldn't fear that you're blasting your bird with sunburn-causing rays. According to the directions, it is imperative that the bulb is not placed too close to the bird at first because a new bulb emits a lot of UV rays. After about two weeks, it should be moved closer. If you have a fixture that does not have the versatility of adjusting distance, I recommend plugging in a new bulb in a different room or area, and leaving it on for 8 hours a day for two weeks before moving it into position above the cage. These bulbs supposedly need to be replaced every year, even if they don't burn out, because the amount of UV decreases, so most people will have the time to break in a new bulb at the end of their current bulb's life. If, however, you are purchasing your first bulb and cannot adjust its distance from the perch, then your bird can easily survive two weeks without UV rays as long as there is light around him. Before I learned about the importance of UV rays, I had budgies live for five years with their only UV rays coming when I was able to take their cages outside during the warmer months. Of course, I would like my current bird to live longer than that, and that's why I decided to get this bulb. It's no guarantee, of course. But it's my responsibility to provide as healthy an environment as possible.After the initial freak-out phase with seeing the light over his cage, my budgie now perks up when his light is turned on. Because I turn off the lamp when he is out of his case (for several hours a day), he doesn't always get the full recommended 8-10 hours a day, but I figure that 6 hours is better than nothing.-- Debbie Lee WesselmannStopped my Parrot's seizures.Output falls fast. Have to change every 6 months.This light is perfect for birds that don’t get enough natural sunlight. Since I started using it I can definitely tell the difference in his feathers. Great value!I got this for my birds cage when I havent been able to get them outside as much. My bird seems to enjoy it.Need for my birds.I've bought these bulbs for years, as I've owned parrots for over 40 years. Are as described, but pricey. Only complaint, only are good for 1 year even though the light still works after a year. There's even a place on the bulb to write down the date you started using it.NiceI like this lamp and the UV bulb; they are very effective, and make up for the fact that my budgies don’t get a lot of natural light.It’s the 3rd bulb I have bought…that’s no reflection on the bulb, but more because my Mum has twice tripped against the lamp and smashed the bulb!I am happy with it, and would buy it again.I use this product to provide more light for my 6 budgies; our house is quite shaded and they really appreciate getting more light. It’s the best I can do, aside from having their cage outside. They definitely like it, and sit under it a lot. The bulbs definitely do last a year, or a bit longer. Mine is on all day, for about 12 hours, but very reliable.I am surprised to hear bad reviews about this seller. I bought both my parrot floor lamp kit and spare lamp from This seller. Really quick delivery. Packed well and secure . Great starter kit and it did include the bulb. I have just bought a new bulb and it came within 2 days and parrot happy once again. Great sellerThere was absolutely nothing to dislike, our African Grey Sunbathes all day long he loves it, he also likes Palm Nuts but there appears to be a World Shortage.I plugged it into my bird's sun lamp, it flickered weakly for a moment, then died. What a crock. I've been scammed!