I have been doing some research with Carolyn on birds vitamin D intake. It seems the main part of the bird that absorbs the most vitamin D is the skin around their eyes. Their feet can also absorb some vitamin D but their feet has a lot of melanin (which blocks sunlight) so it interferes with the vitamin intake. I have been paying attention to Rio's skin in the sun and for his little eyes, it doesn't seem like he would absorb sunlight as much. To enhance your birds vitamin D intake, its best to get them wet so their feathers clubs and spreads out for the light to go through.

Okidoky, I take mine 3 times a week, for about 2 hrs more or less, in the vehicle , but I like to put them in the front porch with direct sun light for about 10 to 15 min., would this work?

Yes, it would. Is it possible to give them showers while they are outside? It would enhance the vitamin D intake and give your birds other benefits.

Thanks for the advise sounds good...

I will do it, I haven't because is a morning drive, and it's kind of chilly
But definitely will do

Thanks!

I read the this morning on Bird tricks she said she showers her birds before going out in the Aviary so they get more Vitamin D.

One thing to keep in mind is that the skin under the feathers normally doesn't get much sunlight, so it may not have any natural defenses against sunburn. So be careful and conservative about exposing this area to the sun!! I'm not sure how well-equipped this skin is to turn UV into vitamin D either. The natural method of collecting UV through the facial skin and legs probably isn't very efficient, since Mother Nature expects birds to be outdoors all the time and doesn't try to cram in a lot in a short period of time. But at least we know that this way is safe and effective.

I think it has to be hot outside for them to take a shower and enjoy it.

My flock seems to enjoy a shower when the weather's a little on the cool side as much they do when it's hot. But when it's not warm I don't like to keep them outside very long with wet feathers because I'm afraid they'll get chilled. So I bring them inside where it's warmer shortly after the shower.

It has only been warm enough to take zorro few times. But i take him out in car when I can.