When we first adopted Georgie and Elmo we lived in a flat with no garden. Since both pigeons are disabled we knew they would always be indoor pigeons, however, I felt uneasy about their lack of access to the green green world. A year or so later we moved to a flat with a garden attached and I was able to take Elmo and Georgie outside under supervision. We bought a large rabbit run as well as a bird harness so that our pigeons could be outside safely. (One of the reasons why: Fly, birdie, fly!)
One of the major disadvantages of keeping a pigeon predominantly indoors is the lack of ultraviolet light (UV light) they receive. This is not something to be taken lightly of. Direct sunshine is required for vitamin D production (which helps the absorption of calcium), which is essential for healthy bone growth and strength. It is not enough to simply put a caged bird near a window to receive sunlight since the UV part of sunshine that helps vitamin D production is filtered out when going through window glass and therefore the bird won’t receive the benefits. Since birds can see UV light (feathers reflect it) a lack of UV light can also affect a birds behaviour, particularly its breeding behaviour.
Experts recommend shining a specialised bird UV lamp on an indoor bird for a minimum of 4 hours per day. Never use a reptile or fish UV lamp (or a plant grow light!) as they don’t have the correct spectrum for birds. An avian UV lamp should have 12% UV-a (for behaviour) and 2.4% UV-b (for calcium). Arcadia sell avian UV lamps: Arcadia bird lamp
For more information: The Essential Nutrient Your Pet Bird is Likely Seriously Short On… and Ultraviolet Lighting and Birds
Please watch this video on the subject:
In our past veterinary visits with Georgie and Elmo the vet has always asked, “Do you provide UV light?” So I knew how important it was for our pigeons but I had my reservations about one aspect of it. And it’s this: Georgie hates bright lights. And I mean HATES. Here’s what happened when she met a lava lamp: Explosive behaviour (For those of you who don’t know this, Georgie has distorted pupils and scarring on her eyes so she has limited vision. She can, however, see bright lights and movement.)
As I’ve written numerous times before, if my camera light goes on Georgie will back away. If the flash goes off then Georgie will wing slap me! So what is Georgie going to do with a super bright UV light shining on her?!!
But I had to bite the bullet and implement the light for her own well being. Summers being so wet here in the UK it’s not always possible for me to be outside with Georgie and Elmo – and never for many hours a day – so they’re missing out on essential ultraviolet light from the sun.
So I bought a light and turned it on and Georgie started a war campaign against it! And to be honest, I don’t blame her. The thing is BRIGHT!! Hurts my eyes when it’s on!
Georgie doesn't like the new light
Elmo, on the other hand, doesn’t mind the light at all.
Elmo fast asleep
To get Georgie used to the light I have to have her on my lap or shoulder while I sit next to the lamp. (I wonder what health benefits I will get from the bird light?) Sometimes she seems to tolerate it, but mostly she’ll become angry when I turn it on. A minimum of 4 hours is asking a lot for her to tolerate I’m afraid. 
I think I’ll have to build up to that slowly.
As I’m typing this I have looked over to the sofa and seen Georgie settled down for a nap next to the lamp. Success!! Maybe she’s realised that the lamp is doing her good. 
Georgie and Elmo and the UV light
Georgie and Elmo look so cute relaxing under their indoor sun.
Thanks, we agree!
Hello all am so glad that you wrote about the lamp – i do have to get on this for the piggles. Will do this in the coming weekend.
Plus a harness will have to get – then can put her into carry box and take to park where to get sun, when it shows up.
She is an indoor bird. So gets calcium liquid form mixed in h2o but am sure that is not enough (also liquid vitamins + greens)
Is on the eggs (again) arrrggghh
We see that Georgie + Elmo have their own space. Our pigeon has decided this time to make sure that her nest if on the bed w her people – so there she stays and sleeps w us. Have since made it darker. In early mornings we get her to do her duty then she pops back onto nest – later to eat. When not nesting she insists on sleeping on foot of bed ( news papers on floor)
What a life – none of us ever thought that one bird could have such a pull of power HAHAH which is why i am so glad that you continue to write about your adored birds.
Hello Ara, sounds like Piggles is queen of the house!
Yes, no one ever thinks a pigeon could becomes so important! 
I’m still researching about keeping pigeons indoors and what is best to give them. We have mineral pickpots, oyster shells and grit, vitamin supplements, greens, as well as the UV light but I’m trying to find the best balance to give everything so as not to overdose our pigeons. But as long as you are providing some sort of supplement and support, I’m sure Piggles is getting what she needs. Thanks for contacting!
Hello Revati, Have done a search to see about the avian lamp in this corner of world. What becomes a concern is the light vs feeding of vitamins – too much of good thing – calcification.
Therefore wonder about alternating of intake of certain vitamins (meaning a particular array) with use of lamp.
The other issue is the affecting of eye tissue. But than our pets are free to walk away as they are not caged and the untended consequences for those caged.
Hi Ara! I’ve heard about calcification and I’m trying to find the right balance of it all. And you are right about the eyes being affected – at least our pigeons can walk away if the light is bothering them. Thanks for commenting! Please let me know if you find anything else.