07-15-2018, 08:42 PM
It’s certainly important to thoroughly research from multiple sources before purchasing any pet. Reptile husbandry is still evolving, I find there’s still a lot of people adamant that Leopard Geckos don’t need UV-B claiming it’s because they’re nocturnal. They’re actually crepuscular and in the wild make good use of the UV available to them at dusk and dawn. They have evolved to make good use of this low level UV through the development of skin that’s highly sensitive to UV radiation (far more sensitive than diurnal reptiles such as bearded dragons). Previously it was assumed that dietary supplementation was only required, but the goal should be optimal husbandry, not just adaquate.
Currently theirs ongoing research into UV requirements for snakes. Because snakes eat whole prey they typically get adaquate calcium and D3 from their food, but it seems even corn snakes respond strongly to UV and have robust mechanisms in place to utilise it. There’s some really interesting studies floating around on the subject, I think in another 10 or 20 years theirs going to be shifts in opinions in what optimal husbandry looks like. It’s a pity some people don’t even know the basics to begin with though.
Currently theirs ongoing research into UV requirements for snakes. Because snakes eat whole prey they typically get adaquate calcium and D3 from their food, but it seems even corn snakes respond strongly to UV and have robust mechanisms in place to utilise it. There’s some really interesting studies floating around on the subject, I think in another 10 or 20 years theirs going to be shifts in opinions in what optimal husbandry looks like. It’s a pity some people don’t even know the basics to begin with though.
