Quote:
Originally Posted by murrindindi
Hi, there are no Varanid species that are strictly insectivorous as far as I know (either in the wild or captivity), so I`m not sure which species you feel actually need supplementary UVB to remain healthy in captivity?
There is now overwhelming evidence that fully supported captive Varanids do NOT need exposure to real or artificial UVB in order to remain in good health, long lived and productive.
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I agree, most small or medium sized varanids feed on insects and smaller vertebrates like other lizards or snakes. But most of us can’t provide those on a regular basis, so that leaves us with an insectivore diet with some baby mice as occasional treats.
All sources I could find will tell you that insects provide no or nearly no vitamin D3, so you have to provide it from an external source, especially as baby mice are the equivalent of a big burger for a small monitor, something you may eat, but not on a regular basis.
Could you please provide your source that there is no need for an external exposure of UV-B?
How do you feed your monitors, which food-mix do you provide?
Roman
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