Day/Night Cycles

[Keyboard Warrior]

Hey guys. I asked this earlier, but I'm still a little confused on the subject. I have a night shift job, so I use black out curtains, so other than whenever I have my lights on, its dark in my room. I don't want to mess up my BP's biorhythms, so what can I do to make sure he's getting a consistent amount of light. I bought a red light, black, and a regular basking one, even though I know they don't bask. And I was told a big light shining in his cage will stress him out. He comes out at night on a consistent basis, around midnight. So am I too concerned about lighting, and should I just provide whatever amount of light I can, regardless if its inconsistent, or what should I do? And if so, which light should I do? Or should I change it up?

Thanks guys

[BigByrd47119]

Hey guys. I asked this earlier, but I'm still a little confused on the subject. I have a night shift job, so I use black out curtains, so other than whenever I have my lights on, its dark in my room. I don't want to mess up my BP's biorhythms, so what can I do to make sure he's getting a consistent amount of light. I bought a red light, black, and a regular basking one, even though I know they don't bask. And I was told a big light shining in his cage will stress him out. He comes out at night on a consistent basis, around midnight. So am I too concerned about lighting, and should I just provide whatever amount of light I can, regardless if its inconsistent, or what should I do? And if so, which light should I do? Or should I change it up?

Thanks guys

I am not a BP expert (though I played one in a movie once ) but here is my take on it.

Any typical room lighting will work fine if your not using it to provide heat. The schedule should be kept as regular as possible and for that reason I would suggest a timer. Red and black lights will not do any good if your purpose is to provide the day portion of the cycle.

If the amount of light the bulb gives off is a concern you may simply try as small a watt bulb as possible to achieve the level of heat you want (if used for heating). Or you could use a room light to provide the cycle, and a ceramic heat emitter for heating.

Or you could try painting the inside of the metal dome to reduce the amount of reflected light (try flat black). Make sure the paint can stand up to those temps though! If you try this option please let us know, or at least me, how it works out and what paint you settle on.

[Alexandra V]

If you intend on breeding, then as was stated before any regular room light with a timer will do the job just fine. However, my personal take on this is that of it's just a pet BP then the light cycle isn't as important. These are nocturnal snakes, and continuous bright light does tend to freak them out a little.

I personally haven't been using supplemental light cycles on either my BP or my boa and haven't had problems, they eat like beasts, shed perfectly and are in good health. The only light they get is from the rising and setting sun from the windows and when I turn on their cage lights to check for excrement. If you want to do a light cycle, that's your choice, but if they're only as pets it isn't necessary IMO.