If you are considering getting a reptile, you must know the type of care they require. This is why reptile bulbs are essential and what you should know about them.

Reptiles

Reptiles are air-breathing vertebrates that have special skin made up of scales, bony plates, or a combination of both. All reptiles regularly shed their outer layer of skin and regulate their metabolism based on temperature. They are naturally cold-blooded so they require warm environments to function properly. Temperature is very important when it comes to reptile care. If you plan to add a reptile to your family, you need to know about the care they require.

Temperature

As stated before, the temperature is essential to reptiles. The best way to help your reptile regulate their body temperature is through the use of a bulb or heat lamp. Reptiles need vitamin D3 to stay healthy and help absorb calcium and light is the best source of that. The correct lighting encourages feeding, social behavior, and activity. There are many lamps out there for reptiles but it’s important to choose the right one. These are the most common types and what they can do for your pet.

1. Visible daylight – establishes a natural light cycle and should be used 10-14 hours a day
2. Night light – provides diffused heat without disrupting the sleep cycle of your pet and keeps them warm at night
3. Basking bulbs – give off a beam of heat, allows the pet to regulate their temperature within a healthy level
4. Diffuse bulbs – delivers less concentrated heat, great for warming up canopy areas
5. UVB – enables reptiles to absorb calcium and maintain strong bones, essential for the production of Vitamin D3
6. UVA – stimulates appetites, breeding, and natural behaviors

In addition, it’s best to know the type of light needs your species needs. These are common reptile pets and their lighting needs;

• Corn snake – eight to 12 hours of light daily
• Leopard gecko – 10 to 12 hours of light daily
• Russian tortoise – UVB lighting for 12 to 14 hours a day
• Bearded dragon – UVB lighting for 1- to 12 hours a day
• Ball python – eight to 12 hours of light daily

To learn more about reptiles and why reptile bulbs are essential, visit Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital. Your reptile will require proper lighting and also proper care. At Andes-Straley, we see and help all types of pets including reptiles. Also if you would like to schedule a visit with our vet visit us online here or call us at (423) 378-44 today!