Snakes and Light.

[Artemis]

I know a lot of us use UTH's.. but I have been reading about UV spectrum light on reptiles, and ofcourse in my mind I start thinking of snakes. Do you think snakes need a specific UV spectrum to help them absorb all the nutrients from their food, and for their systems to work properly? What are your thoughts on this subject?

[ffollett]

No snakes do not require UV lighting.

[Artemis]

Not "require," no. That has been established. But is it BETTER for them to have some exposure?

[PDXErik]

My vet tells me that it does increase activity, what sort, I'm not sure. She also tells me that if you have a snake that's not eating, UV light might encourage them to.

[SerpentLust]

I don't have UV lighting on my snakes, but I do have normal florescents on during the day because my enclosures are black and it's hard to see inside. I still stick with the idea that nocturnal reptiles don't need UV but I also don't believe that providing them with UV will hurt.

[Artemis]

My vet tells me that it does increase activity, what sort, I'm not sure. She also tells me that if you have a snake that's not eating, UV light might encourage them to.

Interesting. Next time you chat with the vet, you might inquire why... I would like to know.

[PDXErik]

I don't question her, I ask her. She says "give them this shot for this many days" and I do it. She says "let them loose in your trousers for an hour a day" and I do it. I just want them to be happy and healthy and if that's what it takes, God Bless America (as opposed to other euphanisms)

[redtails]

I still stick with the idea that nocturnal reptiles don't need UV but I also don't believe that providing them with UV will hurt.

That's the idea right there...diurnal reptiles will benefit from added UV, whereas nocturnal won't. Crespacular(sp?) it's still unknown as to whether it's beneficial or not. Honestly I don't beleive in using them unless it would be for a lizard that's herbivorous/omnivorous, which I have none of...

[Joe]

I believe there is a link with calcium absorption and appetite, if you can boost a reptiles calcium absorption by giving it UV/d3 then im sure it could possible boost your animals appetite, I think thats more or less what your vet was saying, by all means it wont hurt your animals to give this to them, there are plenty of times you would see nocturnal boids with a coil out of there log or what ever in the wild, im sure more for thermo regulation then anything else, but they do encounter the sun in the wild, so If you want to give it to them then give it to them, they have proven to do just aswell without it, its your personal prefferance, I myself never used UV with snakes, but thats me, do what you as an individual feels right for your snake, enjoy

[PDXErik]

Maybe it's like humans. We don't specifically require daylight, but it helps in producing vitamin D

[Artemis]

Interesting responses! Thanks all!