Quote Originally Posted by Homegrownscales View Post
While I understand your standpoint on the lights I'll just say that in the wild these animals are holed up in old termite mounds/ deep borrows during the day. Therefore lights pounding down on them daily will understandably make them uncomfortable IMO. Some are more adaptable than others. I have a couple that need black out boxes in my racks for even the daily natural light. I feel that natural light still gives them that day cycle without it being right in top of them making their enclosure uncomfortable.
I Have heard the same from my vet. "All captive animals need UVB" but I also look at the animal. Balls are quite private and secretive animals. They stay holed up in pitch black until they go out to hunt at night. With the animals I've had experience with, it just seems like the bright bright day bulbs tend to be too harsh on them.


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I feel it is open for debate I know there are ongoing studies with corns and UVB that are showing differences but it is unclear how important they are. however there is well documented ground evidence of royals out in the early morning sun and late afternoon. Nocturnal yes most of the activity is during the night but not all of the activity is.

The termite mound issue is a second partial myth. They are often found in some areas in termite mounds but living solely? No. It is easy to prove the population density in Togo of royals exceeds, termite mounds, by more than 50% so unless you believe royals to be social snakes, many living in one mound, half must be else where.

High humidity and poor air flow is KNOWN to be a cause of respiratory issues. Documented by some of the best known herp vets and researchers around. (Dr. J Rossi and Dr. R Klingenburg for example) There are other causes, and many guesses but this one is certain. Using restricted air flow and high humidity is begging trouble down the road.

The whole debate is actually fairly silly as there is a easy and simple option that is being ignored. humid hides.