Day/Night Cycle

[Pug50]

Is it a requirement for my BP to have a consistent day/night cycle? I know it's stressful for them to have constant 24 hour light, but what about continuous dim/darkness? Or 12/12 most of the time and then a couple of days of dark?

I ask because I'm keeping my viv in a small walk-in wardrobe. When I go away for a weekend, I'd like to close the door to reduce heating costs. Should I rig up a lamp with a timer or is a couple of days in the dark OK?

[LittleTreeGuy]

Some people keep them in non-transparent tubs in rack systems, so would think it may not matter if they're in total darkness... but that's just an observation on my part. These snakes live in burrows and holes in the ground in their natural habitat and ony come out at night, so I would assume they are okay with darkenss the majority of the time.

[PitOnTheProwl]

It is not needed.
Usually the windows will allow a natural light cycle.
I personally wouldn't worry about it.

[Pug50]

Thanks for the replies! I was just a bit worried that without light from a window, they would lose their rhythm of when to be active or asleep, or that total darkness (without moonlight) would make it hard for them to move around.


On a related note - what is the best night-time viewing light to use: Red light or blueish "moon" light? I'd be looking for LEDs since I already have heating covered. Or can either be used provided it's dim?

[EL-Ziggy]

I prefer the red LED lights in my enclosures.

[Snake Judy]

All animals require a day/night cycle. Ambient light is still visible to snakes in burrows and they use to it regulate their behavior. I don't think it's appropriate to use completely opaque tubs for snakes or keep them in a room with no light cycle. A day or two here and there probably won't throw off their circadian rhythms, but if it's a regular thing I'd recommend setting up a light on a timer. Pretty simple/inexpensive to do.