The light has a protector base on the bottom. Only to be used on cloudy days, or once a week for a couple hours for vitad. (I have been monitoring it closely as I too was a bit concerned.) They seemed to explore when I gave them more light. (Its been really dark and gloomy). I used to raise beaded dragon long time ago and had the lamp left over. Some one bought the wrong bulb for thier lizard and threw the avian light in the trash (so I was told anyways) so I said ya I would love the bulb. I guess they did too!(my birdies) I love how even my kiddos can now interact with them now.(my 3 yrd girl now gets kisses from peepers. She only kisses us 3. My parents came to watch over them. No kisses for them lol) I can sit and the birds are right there. They are soo much happier. My heart beats with gratitude. More better pics tomorrow hopefully. (Will post on here)