Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do ball pythons need UVA/UVB light even though they are mostly nocturnal subterranean? Do they benefit from sunlight basking? I keep mine in the Boaphile Plastics Ballroom rack and I'm wondering if a lack of sunlight is detrimental to their long term health. Would they benefit from a once a week "walk" in the sun?

Spider916

A once a week walk in the sun would certainly give him excersize he won't get in the tub, and fresh air he wouldn't get otherwise, which is a good thing , but it's not necessary for good health in Ball Pythons.

Quig

Being primarily nocturnal, Ball Pythons do not need UV light. However, please don't take this to mean they need no light at all. Just about all animals benefit from exposure to a light-dark cycle. This cycle, called a diurnal cycle helps them (and US!) to regulate our bodies and prepare for changes in season- it may even help in breeding.

K. Royer
Royer Reptiles

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Kassandra Royer
Royer Reptiles

They are in my living room, so they do see light/dark cycles and are breeding up a storm. I was asking more specifically about unfiltered sunlight and if it offers any benefits. Thanks for the reply though.

Can I ask what you keep them in? If an aquarium or anything with a glass front, UVB won't penetrate it anyway. Balls get what they need from their food items. Just be sure they have enough heat to digest it properly. Hope this helps.

Quig