UV Lighting

There is debate if pygmy chameleons need UV lighting, as they are usually on the forest floor and hiding under brush or bushes. In any case, here is some information on UV lighting.

UV Lighting is important to the health of most diurnal reptiles. It is necessary to produce vitamin D and process calcium. True chameleons kept without the benefit of UV lights are known to develop Metabolic Bone Disease. Lack of UV light is not the only factor of MBD. Other contributing factors may include: lack of calcium, diet, kidney/liver disease and inadequate protein to name a few.

Even though receiving too little UV light can be harmful, the same can be said for receiving too much UV exposure. Too much UV exposure can result in sunburns, skin tumors, and photokeratonconjunctivitis (a condition that affects the eyes). The skin of every species metabolizes UV light at a different rate, and therefor does not need the same strength or time of exposure. Most chameleons are sensitive to UV light and do not need to bask very long to receive adequate exposure. The less the reptile basks in the wild, the higher their UV sensitivity will be. Always have ample areas that chameleon can hide from the UV light, as they will know when they have had enough.

Though some keeper use 5.0 UV bulbs, most keepers would recommend 2.0 UV bulbs. The height of most pygmy enclosures are not very tall and the closer to the bulb, the higher the UV exposure. The only absolute way to know how much UV exposure you chameleon is receiving is to use a UV meter, most reptile keepers do not own one.

Even if you decide your pygmy will not benefit from UV lighting, it is recommended you keep a 2.0 UV lamp for your enclosure as it is also beneficial to plant growth.





If you would like to read more about UV lighting please visit <a onclick="pageTracker._trackPageview ('0http_www_uvguide_co_uk');pageTracker._trackPage view ('0http_www_uvguide_co_uk');" href="http://www.uvguide.co.uk">UVGuide.co.uk</a>. It is a very detailed and very informative site dedicated completely to the study of UV lighting.