Is a UV light safe for albino corn snakes? The pet store says they need it. Really?

Question

I have a 5 month old albino corn snake and I'm using a heating lamp that has UV rays. Is that safe? I've read a book that they shouldn't be exposed. However, they need it for digestion as what I know in my mind. However, we're talking albino here. Any advice? :-/

Answer 1

Snakes don't require UV lighting as much as other reptiles. In fact snakes spend most of there time hiding in the dark so the UV light that they get wouldn't be enough to utilize any benefits from it. Most pet store employees know very little about the reptiles they sell. You would be better off getting a book about corn snakes or checking out some care sheets on line for care info. http://www.kingsnake.com has some great care sheets as well as forums where you can ask any questions you have and have it answered by the real reptile experts. The people that have been breeding and raising them their whole lives. Not by someone who is just trying to get you to buy things that you don't really need. Good luck with your snake.

Answer 2

While the UV light is safe for them, snakes do not need UV rays to survive. Contrary to what the first answer says, not all reptiles need UV lights. Another example is the leopard gecko. They are nocturnal, so in the wild they rarely if ever see the sunlight.



Not all pet shop employees are knowledgeable about reptiles. once and a while you get lucky, but for the most part you take what they say with a grain of salt.



ktwinter7, you say that no living being can live without sunlight/ What about those animals that are nocturnal?



Please do some research on Snakes and Leopard Geckos and see for yourself. Not all things need sunlight!

Answer 3

I have read that snakes don't require the uv lights to digest... If you have a glass lid the uv rays cannot go through it, so you wont have to worry, if you have a mesh lid then I'm put some plants bettween the light and bottom of the tank, to create shady places. I don't use a heat light for my snake, I have an under the tank heating pad. It keep's his tank nice and warm. Are you keeping it on 24/7? that can be bad for them too. You may need a night glo heat light bulb for night time to keep the temps good.

Answer 4

All animals need UV (ultra Violet) light to one extent or another, snakes being no exception.

UV exposure helps reptiles' bodies to produce valuable vitamins, but, there are ways around this, too.

If your reptile has some exposure to natural sunlight, it not only gets UVs, but it also is provided a natural photoperiod.Be sure not to set in direct sunlight and always provide a hide box, or shade box so the animal can escape the heat of the sun.



There has been alot of controversy surrounding this product, but repeated tests have shown animlas with UV exposure are healthier and live longer lives than those without it.



Animals without UV also have a higher chance of producing dead babies, too, whereas UV exposed animals produce a larger clutch and a healhtier clutch of young.



If your snake is handled frequently and is outdoors, a UV may not be required.



Being your snake is albino, it will have a lower tolerance of sunlight, so the UV is in the best interest of the animal



I have been doing this for nearly 30 years and have always exposed mine to UV, natural, or artificial, have never had a dead baby delivery, or health issues. During warmer months, my larger snakes are outside frequently and in cooler months, they remain indoors with UV lighting

Answer 5

The UV light is not a necessary componant for the keeping of a Corn Snake. Your snake can be raised with a typical light bulb.

A warm spot in the tank or ambient temps above 72f are all this animal needs to digest food.

Some species (namely aquatic turtles which bask and lizards which bask) have more of a difficult time processing calcium without natural sunlight and this is the primary use of a full spectrum light, it takes the place of the natural sunlights effect.

You should have a screen cover for the top of your tank (if you don't already) as opposed to glass, glass will make the air stale and create two much humidity..

A UV (Full Spectrum) light will enhance the colors of your snakes environment, making it more attractive to you. Thanks, Leo

Answer 6

I was at a zoo in Florida where there was an albino alligator, another reptile, so it may be relevant. The keeper explained the gator was blind, despite their best efforts to keep him out of harmful light, the gator, being a reptile, insisted on basking. So the advice to give the snake a place to hide as if it will know what is best for it if you give it a UV light may not be accurate.

Answer 7

most snake require heat for proper digestion or body temp regulation. uva/b rays aren't really required for albinos, but heat is. keep the cage at 85 to 90 degrees for 10 hours and nothing below 70 for the other14 and he will be just fine. Feed or offer food at least once a week depending on size, once food is refused or uneaten, hold off for about a week and offer again. They sometimes go into a natural body clock modification of eating schedules based on seasons. Keep fresh water daily. Buy a book and educate yourself a little more. milk/corn snakes are easy to care for and require little maintenance.

Answer 8

snakes dont need uv lights,i own 7 snakes and the only lights they get is the light in the room or the light that shines through the window.the only heat is a reptile heating pad that goes under the tank with a regulator to set the temperature and they are doing great

Answer 9

The majority of animals need sunlight to produce vitamin D in their bodies, humans can walk outside and back inside within 2 seconds each day and get enough.



Cave animals and insects and deep sea fish have different physiology than most other animals.



Twilight times for nocturnal animals is sufficient.



Sulcatta and other tortoises need 20 to 30 minutes of actual sunlight every few days.

Answer 10

None of that is true. No living thing can go without sunlight and thats exactly what a uv bulb is. Every living organism needs sunlight and all reptiles require a uvb or uv bulb plus additional heat lamps and under tank heaters. People like to get off cheap by not having to buy the necessary things for their pets but remember that you are responsible for their life. They are a living breathing thing that you are to care for because you own them.

Answer 11

all reptiles need UV rays but albinos are sensitive to light great question !!! my feeling's tell me make sure your snake has lots of hiding place's so it can come out when it wants to... if i can help you out just come to swords and dreams reptile rescue were at 7213 w greenfield ave west allis wis 53214 # 414-475-9315 just ask for tom...