Do fluorescent light bulbs flicker on and off for a while before they burn out completely?

Yes, that is normal, and tubes normally last about 2 1/2 to 3 years. You might as well replace the starter at the same time, just because it's cheap.

I effectively treat the low power bulbs in the best way I did with the old type. Turn them on and off as required. I've used them for roughly 9 years now and by no means heard that they should be left on. In fact the initial bulbs got here as a 'freebie' from the utility manufacturer EON with recommendations for use, no point out being made as to leaving them on. My most effective gripe is that it may well take a whilst earlier than they attain full brightness. I activate my outer porch light in order that i can put garbage in my wheelie bin, and to find that i've frequently accomplished the venture earlier than the bulb has carried out full brightness, so I now use a flashlight. The plus part of low energy bulbs is that they last a very long time. As for the kettle I continuously have it a few 1/3 full.

most get darken ends when their ready to burn out the mercury gas that was floating about becomes burnt and sticks to the glass close to the electrodes about 1 to 2 inches from end I maintain about 280 fixtures 2ft 3 ft and mostly 4 ft none have starters all are ballast type but they will flicker before burning out if you have the transformer type then your starter could be bad too .

Yes they will flicker and if you havd a really choice bulb it will explode if the refector isnt in place then there is glass all over everything and burn marks on the cubbard. but that only happen with the choice bulbs. electric can be so exciting.

I would say it may need a new starter.That's the little round gadget near the bulb.It screws out to replace it with a new one.It could be the bulb but more often it's the starter.

I would suggest that you replace both the tube & the starter every time this happens otherwise the new tube will fail prematurely due to poor function of starter

Yes it is normal, mine do that too