Lighting plays a significant role in a bearded dragons’ wellbeing
Lighting plays a significant role in a bearded dragons’ wellbeing. Remember, these reptiles get all they need in the wild, requirements that should be provided during domestication. One of the most common types of lights is UVB, which is a spectrum of Ultraviolet Light. Do bearded dragons need UVB? Yes.
Your bearded dragon requires around 8 to 10 percent output of UVB rays. Just like in human beings, Ultraviolet light has several advantages to your bearded dragon, which we will look at in the course of our discussion.
What are the best sources of UVB light for your bearded dragon?
- Fluorescent bulbs
Special fluorescent bulbs emit a considerable amount of UVB rays that can benefit your bearded dragon. However, before you pick on the fluorescent lamp, you first need to plan the light fixtures and positions.
These bulbs must be mounted at the right spots, either on a wire mesh surface or hanging from the top of the enclosure. Now, not all fluorescent bulbs emit UVB. You need to settle on one that fits into fluorescent fixtures.
Have in mind, however, that these bulbs run out of Ultraviolet rays before they stop emitting light. You should, therefore, find a replacement every six months. Bearded dragons need a specific amount of UVB rays, which should be included in the package.
How do I mount the fluorescent bulb?
Fluorescent bulbs should be strategically placed, about six to eight inches from your bearded dragon’s sitting place. This will allow them to soak in the rays to their uttermost fulfillment. The rays also need to penetrate through the reptile, and therefore, glass or plastic surfaces are not recommended.
To help save you money and effort, invest in the right fixture. Also, ensure that your fluorescent fixture has an in-built reflector. If not, aluminum foil will do. Remember, the main goal is to encourage as many UV rays as possible to reach your reptile.
- Mercury vapor bulb
Mercury vapor bulbs are dual-purpose sources of light. These bulbs emit UVB light while heating your beardy’s cage at the same time. The bulbs have a longer lifespan than the average fluorescent lamp.
Now, most people argue that these bulbs are dangerous due to high-intensity UV rays emission. In as much as this argument has not been proven, it wouldn’t hurt to be on the safer side. Make sure, therefore, that you widen the distance between your pet and the bulb.
Also, provide enough shade inside the enclosure and use a ceramic socket for the mercury vapor bulb. In case you are planning on getting a larger tank for your beady, bring along a mercury vapor bulb.
What is the role of UVB?
UVB helps in calcium absorption, which is an essential process for bearded dragons. Let’s start from the onset. Now UVB is necessary for the synthesis of Vitamin D3, which in return, helps in calcium utilization. UVB light, therefore, prevents your beardy from the metabolic Bone disease, which causes weakening of the bones.
Should I use coils for my pet?
Now, one thing that I have realized is that coils are commonly sold in the market as a UVB source. The last part might be correct, but these UVB sources are not suitable for your pet. Therefore no. You should not use coils for your pet.
Coils are short-lived and will stop UVB production in a month or less. These light sources also bring about several complications, which are eye problems, lethargy, and anorexia. Instead of using coils, just go for fluorescent tubes or bulbs.
How long can a bearded dragon go without UVB?
Two days. A bearded dragon cannot survive for long without UVB light. This is one of the reasons why these reptiles prefer to bask in their natural habitats. It is not a rare occasion to find a group of lizards basking on rocks or out in the open.
Without UVB lights, bearded dragons cannot synthesize Vitamin D, which is responsible for calcium absorption. Lack of Vitamin D also puts your pet at risk of contracting several diseases due to weakened immunity.
How much UVB do bearded dragons need?
Now since your bearded dragon is not out in the wild, it will require a considerable amount of UVB. Remember, in their natural habitats, these reptiles bask freely in the sun, getting all the UVB rays they need, which is curtailed in captivity.
Your bearded dragon, therefore, requires around 8-10% UVB from the source of light you choose, which is one of the reasons why you need first to check out the bulb before acquisition. Also, make sure that you give your beardy a 12 hours UVB exposure.
It would, therefore, be advisable to leave the light source on during the day and switch it off at night.
Since UVB lights help in calcium synthesis, we should look at some of the ways you can ensure calcium Sufficiency for your pet. Have in mind, however, that all these ideas are futile without the right UVB content. Calcium needs to be absorbed, which is impossible without UVB. Here is something for you:
- Greens- Now, one of the ways of dealing with calcium deficiency in bearded dragons is by feeding your pet more greens. Ensure, therefore, that your pet’s diet is loaded with calcium-rich foods.
Greens are everywhere. You can give your pet veggies, fruits or feed them on natural vegetation. I would, however, recommend a lot of vegetables since they are rich sources of vitamins.
- Calcium-rich insects- By now, you know that your pet mainly feeds on insects. There is, therefore, no greater way of boosting calcium intake than giving your bearded dragon calcium-rich insects.
Most people prefer supplements, which are also okay. The only problem most supplements have lesser nutritional value than real food. Feed your reptile dubia roaches, which are some of the best calcium sources.
You will probably spend more acquiring these foodstuffs for your pet, but it is worth every penny. Remember, roaches are tasty to reptiles and loaded with a lot of nutrients at the same time.
- Supplements- When feeding pets, it is always advisable to first lookout for natural sources. However, if you prefer going the other way, supplements would be a good idea.
To help your pet get some calcium, put some reptile supplements on his or her food just before meals.
Do bearded dragons need UVB at night?
No. All UVB lights should be turned off during the night. Light interferes with your pet’s sleep. Remember, bearded dragons have the same sleep cycle as mammals, and therefore, the tiniest light will interfere with your reptile’s sleeping pattern.
Remember to turn on the UVB lights during the day and keep them off at night. The last thing you want is a stressed-out pet.
Can my bearded dragon get too much UVB?
Yes. UVB concentration can be too high. The surest way of knowing if your beardy is getting too much UVB is by looking at its eyes as it basks. If you notice your pet closing its eyes, the UVB rays might be too strong.
‘what is the difference between UVA and UVB
The main difference between these two light rays is simple. UVA is a standard light ray that can be emitted from any bulb. UVB, on the other hand, requires a particular UVB bulb for emission. Your reptile will easily get UVA from just any other bulb but not UVB., which is the reason why you need fluorescent bulbs.
What is the difference between a UVA bulb and a UVB bulb?
To help you understand why you need a UVB bulb and not just any other bulb, you have to know the differences between the two. UVA bulbs are regular light bulbs that produce white light and heat only, whereas UVB light bulbs are unique bulbs that emit short UVB rays for Vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption.
How long should I provide UVB lighting?
Well, the amount of UVB exposure differs depending on seasons. During warm seasons such as Summer and Spring, your pet needs 10-12 hours of UVB lighting. You can, therefore, turn on the light in the mid-morning and turn it off around midnight.
For fall and winter, however, your pet requires 8 to 10 hours of UVB lighting. In case you are wondering why, these reptiles undergo brumation in Winter, where they spend most of their days asleep. Having the lights on for long might, therefore, hinder this special occasion.
One of the commonly asked questions is whether bearded dragons also need UVA during captivity. The answer is yes. These reptiles need both UVA and UVB light. UVA is for general sight, whereas UVB helps in calcium synthesis.
Conclusion
Domesticating a bearded dragon comes with several requirements. Apart from food and water, you need the right lighting. Remember, these animals freely bask in the wild, acquiring all the light they need for calcium synthesis.
It, therefore, becomes your duty to ensure that they get the same while in captivity. So, do bearded dragons need UVB? Absolutely.