- image © Olena Istomina
Reptiles are not domesticated animals. Lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles require living conditions that mimic their native environments. Reptile keepers, whether private collectors or zoos, must provide the following items to maintain healthy reptiles in captivity: a heat gradient, UV lighting, appropriate substrate and humidity control. Substrate and required humidity vary depending on species and native habitat; for some, you'll need to provide water as well. However, proper lighting and heating needs are necessary. - Reptiles need external heat application for proper motor function and digestion. But lizards and snakes can get too hot. Keepers must provide a gradient---hot to cold progression---across the cage to allow the reptile to modify its body temperature as needed. Research the proper temperature range in the reptile's native habitat; do not allow the heat to go above the high temperature or the cool to go below the low temperature. Provide an area to cool down by restricting the heat element to one corner. The compact nature of a directed heat lamp, ceramic heat emitter or heated floor pad makes this provision easy. Your reptile knows when he needs heat or cooling. Allow him to choose. In nature, when the sun goes down, temperatures also go down. Consider turning off or unplugging sources of heat during the animal's nighttime, as enforced by the lighting. A light timer may be all you need to synchronize this day-night cycle.
- All reptiles need a simulated day-night cycle where they receive darkness for several hours in a 24-hour period, much as we do. Nocturnal species do not depend on sunlight in their native habitats, and snakes can absorb needed nutrients from their food, but diurnal species of lizards and all turtles and tortoises need simulated sunlight to maintain healthy synthesis of vitamin D3 and for absorption of calcium. Incandescent and fluorescent lights are inadequate full-time lighting, though one of these "normal lights" will be needed for a day-night cycle. Specialty bulbs that provide UVA and UVB light will help your day-active reptiles stay healthy. You can find the bulbs online or at pet stores. Choose carefully because many bulbs marked "full spectrum" do not provide the proper amounts of UVA and UVB needed by reptiles. Experts recommend Duro-Test Vita-Lite, Zoo Med's Reptisun and ReptileUV's Mega-Ray brand lights. Remember to replace the bulbs every 9 to 12 months, because they do wear out. Because reptiles in the wild bask in the sun for both heat and UV needs, position the UV lamp where the animal basks for heat, so when they need UV they know instinctively where to go. Maintain the heat gradient within your lighting scheme---hot things go at one end only. UV lamps can span the cage, just be sure the heat-basking area is included.
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