Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Mimic Sunlight for a Reptile

Many reptiles like to bask in the sunlight during the day, as part of their routine. Just like humans and many other animals, reptiles require vitamin D, which is provided by the sun. Without vitamin D, a variety of health issues may be experienced by a reptile. So provide your pet with plenty of sunlight -- natural or simulated -- throughout the day.

Things You'll Need

Sunlamp -- UVB emitting

Instructions

- 1
  Position the sunlamp so that it shines directly down into the cage -- unobstructed by any glass or plastic. Both glass and plastic block UVB rays, which are responsible for vitamin D.
- 2
  Leave the lamp on for a daily period, based on your pet's needs. The time of day the lamp is used, along with the length of time, depend on the needs of the specific reptile species.
- 3
  Provide a shady area where your pet reptile can escape from the sunlamp. Too much sunlight, just like too little, can be bad for your pet.

Animals & Science