Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it critical/important to supply UVB (? 7%, 3%?) for Kingsnakes? For desert/mountain phases only? In general for Colubrids (corns, rats)...???

Kind thanks,

Leon

UVB is unnecessary for most if not all colubrids. This includes the king, rat, and gopher snakes. In my opinion, a full visible spectrum light, that does not include UV, is helpful. But a large window can supply that.

Paul Hollander

Thanks.

What's the best "full spectrum" incandescent that's readily available at Home Depot / Lowes? Most household stuff does not list Kelvin temp ratings (6500K would be ideal...)???

Is their "Plant Grow" type stuff better then normal bulbs? Any idea if clear bulbs are any better the soft white...???

Thanks again,

Leon

I wouldn't use a 1000 watt high pressure sodium bulb to get your snakes to grow or be happy! Seriously, a long time ago I asked Matt Smith (excellent breeder if you are not familiar) about using lights and he said he NEVER used them for any of his king or milksnakes. That was good enough for me. I've never used them either and all of my snakes have appeared to be healthy. Keep your cages and water bowles clean and your snakes should stay healthy. Keep the lights in the closets, not in the cages!

Hmm...how about reef type 400W Metal Halides then? Should help the snake form some good calcium around their skin...lol

I use overhead heat (instead of under) to provide temp gradient and basking spot. If addition, I use a weak blacklight on the other side to provide some supplemtal nightime heat, and 'moonlit' viewing.

My boas do better (Kane/Helix yada yada), but the colubrid rack gets the runt of the technology...

Hey if you are going to do it, hps is the ticket!-ha

I've heard many breeders say that the best heat source for kingsnakes is belly heat with a thermostat. That's what I use. I'm sure that everyone has different preferences though. I'm one of those FORMER 100% organic K.B. growuz that kept the dead lots Killa. Now I'm breeding snakes. It's a lot safer and way less stressful.

They have evolved a kidney or liver that derives the vitamins for them. They do not require basking - although many enjoy doing it (and being warm) nonetheless.

No special lighting of any type is needed, and they can always safely withstand low temperatures typical of most indoor homes. In general, they never need to be kept warm at night, as long as daytime temperatures are appropriate. (In the wild, they often experience overnight lows in the high 40s.)

Save money - no basking lamps!