aaaand..UV bulb question

[maroongrad]

Black racers are generally found out in sunny fields and similar. Because she's inside instead of out in the sunlight, I got her a UV bulb. Does she need it, or is this just a waste of electricity and an annoyance for her? I had no idea that not all reptiles needed it; I figured that, just like other animals, they'd need sunlight or a substitute for Vitamin D production and overall health. Is this just an extra cord, or is it something she'd need?

[smy_749]

she doesn't need it. Depending on the bulb type, some of them can be irritating to the eyes like snow blindness. She doesn't need any special lightning.

[maroongrad]

Thank you :) I'll leave the bulb off!

[StudentoReptile]

Definitely not a requirement. Personally, I think it is beneficial, so for these high-metabolism diurnal colubrids like racers, Nerodia, garters, etc, I prefer 2.0 standard florescent lighting. Not a fan of the compact florescent bulbs.

[SSSSnakes]

I agree with the rest, snakes do not require UVB lighting.,

[maroongrad]

I tried to attach an image for you. Just a quick headshot. :)

[shaunyboy]

I agree with the rest, snakes do not require UVB lighting.,

^^^^^
imo it all depends on which species mate

it is thought that lack of UVB can be linked to DPS (Diamond Python Syndrome),where the Diamonds bones become brittle and break,there is no cure and euthinization is all you can do for the snake

most Diamond keepers i know use UVB with their Diamonds

i use 2.0 natural sunlight with mine,anything stronger may be too much for them imo

cheers shaun

[smy_749]

I was gonna mention diamonds, and I figured one of you diamond folk would haha

I just wasn't sure if DPS was from something to do with lightning or not giving them the proper cooling period they require. Or is it both?

[maroongrad]

Well, she's near a window and gets diffuse natural sunlight. Granted, a lot of it is blocked due to two layers of window and a layer of plastic, but she does still get some. I'll do some digging about, but with this many experts telling me "no bulb" I doubt I'll turn it back on :)

[smy_749]

be careful you don't cook her keeping her next to a window exposed to sunlight. I would move her.

[maroongrad]

No worries. There is no direct sunlight possible; the window faces west into a VERY shaded yard. In a few weeks as the leaves fall off I'll move her, but for now, the most she gets is dim indirect light. We picked that particular window because she could look out but we didn't have to worry about sunlight and overheating issues, not until the trees lost their leaves (and possibly even not then, it's still going to be fairly shaded!). She'll lose her view in a few weeks...but until then she's fine :)

[shaunyboy]

I was gonna mention diamonds, and I figured one of you diamond folk would haha

I just wasn't sure if DPS was from something to do with lightning or not giving them the proper cooling period they require. Or is it both?

as far as i can find out,not a lot is known about DPS....

keeping them too hot,no uvb and not cooling Diamonds are thought to be a factor,but as far as i know,no one actually knows the reason DPS can surface in an otherwise healthy snake

cheers shaun