Lighting:
Q: Is UVB lighting necessary or important to my monitors health??
A: I have no real answer to this question. There seems to be too much inconsistency in this area. But, if I had to guess I would say yes.
Since I have yet to find any real proof or evidence to support or refute this issue let's look at it logically and you can make up your mind for yourself.
Note: Something worth pointing out is that humans can become depressed without sunlight. Sunlight provides us w/ vitamin D.
So ask yourself... Why would it be any different for animals??
Now lets look at what we do know about these lizards. We know that Savannah Monitors are from Africa. And we know that Africa is a very sunny place. We also know that Savannah Monitors are found in nature sunning themselves on logs, rocks, in trees, fields, etc. And we know that this process helps these animals digest their food properly by providing them with a way to heat themselves.
Based on these facts I believe it is safe to assume the importance of proper lighting. The issue of the importance of UVB is still an unknown as far as I'm concerned. But if you can provide natural & direct sunlight to your animal this should never even be a concern.
Although it is best for these animals to have access to real sunlight I do believe that artificial lighting would be beneficial as well, but obviously, not as much so as the real thing. I don't use any special lighting system or bulb so I can't recommend anything in the artificial light department.
A: I have no real answer to this question. There seems to be too much inconsistency in this area. But, if I had to guess I would say yes.
Since I have yet to find any real proof or evidence to support or refute this issue let's look at it logically and you can make up your mind for yourself.
Note: Something worth pointing out is that humans can become depressed without sunlight. Sunlight provides us w/ vitamin D.
So ask yourself... Why would it be any different for animals??
Now lets look at what we do know about these lizards. We know that Savannah Monitors are from Africa. And we know that Africa is a very sunny place. We also know that Savannah Monitors are found in nature sunning themselves on logs, rocks, in trees, fields, etc. And we know that this process helps these animals digest their food properly by providing them with a way to heat themselves.
Based on these facts I believe it is safe to assume the importance of proper lighting. The issue of the importance of UVB is still an unknown as far as I'm concerned. But if you can provide natural & direct sunlight to your animal this should never even be a concern.
Although it is best for these animals to have access to real sunlight I do believe that artificial lighting would be beneficial as well, but obviously, not as much so as the real thing. I don't use any special lighting system or bulb so I can't recommend anything in the artificial light department.
Here is how I treat the issue of lighting:
I have plenty of sunlight available and encourage my monitor to hang out in the sun, which he does. If it is warm enough outside I open the sliding glass door to the patio and he will sit at the edge sunning himself through the screen. If the doors insulation is in place and he can't get to a sunny spot he will claw at the insulation and then look in my direction. If I slide back the insulation he is content to chill at the sill. But, If I open the screen door giving him the option to go outside he turns tail and heads for a safe spot. (Outdoors is loud & scary to him.)
The lights I use over his "bed", when he is actually in his "bed", are CFLs (Compact Fluorescent) set on timers. Twelve hours ON and 12 hours OFF. Then I supplement with natural sunlight. Usually a couple of hours a day.
If I take my monitor for a walk outside I always use a leash. Something you may want to consider. This is a great way for your pet to get some sunlight and/or exercise without having to worry about him/her freaking out and running off.
The lights I use over his "bed", when he is actually in his "bed", are CFLs (Compact Fluorescent) set on timers. Twelve hours ON and 12 hours OFF. Then I supplement with natural sunlight. Usually a couple of hours a day.
If I take my monitor for a walk outside I always use a leash. Something you may want to consider. This is a great way for your pet to get some sunlight and/or exercise without having to worry about him/her freaking out and running off.
All photos & videos by John Kleinknecht - Copyright © 2013 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide