Fluorescent lighting

[DoubletakeFarm]

I'm still working on my quail pen...I put up rope lighting because I read it's enough light for them and I figured it would be safe too. Well, it might be enough light for them but not for me. Down with the rope light, up with the fluorescent. My question is: do I need to cover the fixture with some kind of screen? Will they be able to fly up and break the bulbs? Thanks in advance

 

[TwoCrows]

If they have the room, they can fly up 15 feet or more. It wouldn't hurt to cover the bottom of the shrouds with some hardware cloth to protect the bulbs.

 

[James the Bald]

I agree... the first time you have to sweep up broken glass and powdered magnesium from the pen, you will regret not doing it.

 

[DoubletakeFarm]

I figured that but doesn't hurt to ask. Found my hardware cloth after looking for 20 minutes(why on earth did I put it THERE?) now I just have to figure out how to attach it. I'm thinking drill holes and tie wrap it.

 

[James the Bald]

I figured that but doesn't hurt to ask. Found my hardware cloth after looking for 20 minutes(why on earth did I put it THERE?) now I just have to figure out how to attach it. I'm thinking drill holes and tie wrap it.

A large zip tie threaded through the hardware cloth and around the light fixture should work.
edited to add: you only really need to put the hardware cloth on the bottom of the light fixture to protect the lights. I know you will understand, but somebody else may wrap the entire light fixture.

 

[DoubletakeFarm]

Turned out pretty good. I drilled holes through the cover (which was really easy) and tie wrapped it. And I only cut myself twice!

 

[TwoCrows]

Excellent! That is exactly what I had in mind too. Beautiful enclosure as well!