How much sunshine do your birds get?

It is essential for our birds to obtain Vitamin D via direct sunlight, as the most reliable method to help absorb calcium in their diets.

I try to take mine outside at least a few times a week for 20mins- 2hrs, in/out sunlight, with a few cold hose downs on 'shower' mode. I definitely notice their feathers being shinier, softer, and better groomed after such outing.

How much direct sunlight are your birds exposed to?

Probably the hosing has more effect on the feather condition and grooming than the direct sunlight since the hosing makes them "brush their hair".

Sunlight/UV stimulates uropygial gland to secrete its goo which contains vitamin D, which is ingested by the bird when preening. I guess the goo might contribute to feather condition. Not sure.

Varies how much sun my birds are exposed to. The outdoor ones get several hours a day as their cages are only partially shaded so they have access to sun most of the time if they choose it. The indoor birds get several hours a day depending on where the sun's coming in from which window (open).

I use Avian Sun full spectrum bulbs on a timer for a few hours each day. I'd LIKE to get them out more, but the exposure has to really be direct, no plastic or glass in between bird and rays. A window won't do it. Now that Scooter is starting to settle down, I can look into getting them outside in the travel cage or carrier more.

The AvianSun bulbs DO produce measureable UV-A and UV-B. There was a debate about that on another forum, and these bulbs do have a special coating that does flouresce in that part of the spectrum. I was able to get a spectrum from the company and get permission to post it, so I'll repeat that here. The drawback is that the bulbs are fairly expensive and they have a very limited lifetime ~6months, after which they still make visible light but the UV production declines. The bulbs have to be placed pretty close to the cage. Sunlight is cheaper.

rainbow gets outside time at least once a week, especially after a bath, but I'd like to take her out more. when I let my vegetable garden wither and die she doesn't come outside as often because I generally bring her out in the small cage while I water and such.

I throw mine out the window several
times a day when the weather is warm.
I use FSL for my smaller birds that don't
go outside. I installed am access door
on my aviary.