UV Lighting.

Tori · 04-19-2008, 05:39 PM

Just thought of something. Garter snakes are often found sunning themselves which means that they are absorbing a lot of UVB rays from the sun. I personally have never used a UVB light with my snakes, but maybe I should? Do they receive vitamin D3 from worms and fish? I know that mouse eaters would get it from their prey but how much would they get from worms? Should I use calcium with D3 for them?

Sorry, I just got to thinking about it.

adamanteus · 04-19-2008, 05:45 PM

Personally, I don't use UVB lighting for my Garters, Tori. I don't think they need it. I know that some others disagree. It certainly can't do any harm, especially if they have plenty of hides and can get away from it if they want to.

I think a good, varied diet is very important.... I use as many known 'safe' fish varieties as I can get, pinky mice, earthworms and occasional amphibians. I try to offer four different prey items every week.

ssssnakeluvr · 04-19-2008, 06:27 PM

as far as I know, only lizards and turtles need the UVB lighting....a good varied diet is best for them1

anji1971 · 04-19-2008, 09:29 PM

I've never had UV lighting. The local reptile store staff ensured me it wasn't necessary for the garters, but for my own peace of mind, I keep the tanks on the side of the room where the late afternoon sun shines for a couple hours. (not directly in front of the window of course!!)
Don't know if it makes an iota of difference to the snakes, but I like to think they enjoy the little sunbath every day!

04-19-2008, 05:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tori "Second shed In Progress" Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Holland, Michigan Posts: 236 Country:	UV Lighting. Just thought of something. Garter snakes are often found sunning themselves which means that they are absorbing a lot of UVB rays from the sun. I personally have never used a UVB light with my snakes, but maybe I should? Do they receive vitamin D3 from worms and fish? I know that mouse eaters would get it from their prey but how much would they get from worms? Should I use calcium with D3 for them? Sorry, I just got to thinking about it. __________________ Tori Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.

04-19-2008, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
adamanteus Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cheshire. (Near Manchester). Posts: 7,867 Country:	Re: UV Lighting. Personally, I don't use UVB lighting for my Garters, Tori. I don't think they need it. I know that some others disagree. It certainly can't do any harm, especially if they have plenty of hides and can get away from it if they want to. I think a good, varied diet is very important.... I use as many known 'safe' fish varieties as I can get, pinky mice, earthworms and occasional amphibians. I try to offer four different prey items every week. __________________ James.

04-19-2008, 06:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
ssssnakeluvr "PM Boots For Custom Title" Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 1,778 Country:	Re: UV Lighting. as far as I know, only lizards and turtles need the UVB lighting....a good varied diet is best for them1 __________________ Don www.donsgartersnakes.net

04-19-2008, 09:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
anji1971 Finder of unique Garters Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Windsor, Ontario Posts: 2,130 Country:	Re: UV Lighting. I've never had UV lighting. The local reptile store staff ensured me it wasn't necessary for the garters, but for my own peace of mind, I keep the tanks on the side of the room where the late afternoon sun shines for a couple hours. (not directly in front of the window of course!!) Don't know if it makes an iota of difference to the snakes, but I like to think they enjoy the little sunbath every day! __________________ Anji

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