Snake Walker™ D.S. Boys Company, LLC |
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Unlike captive snakes, wild snakes bask in the sunlight at least once a day to warm themselves to obtain important nutrients from the sunlight that aid in promoting a healthy skin condition. In captivity, snakes do not have access to natural sunlight and therefore, do not receive any nutritional benefits from sunlight. Supplemental vitamins and artificial “sun-lights” are available for captive animals; however, they cost additional money and their success on an animal can vary according to the understanding of the proper use of these items.
Snake Walking Benefits Your Snake:
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Basking in natural sunlight.
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Non-restricted freedom of movement.
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Awakens sense of curiosity.
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Increases metabolism and improves skin condition.
Snake Walking Benefits You:
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Satisfaction from spending quality time with your snake.
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Enjoyment from observing the natural movement of your snake.
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Knowledge that you are contributing to the well-being of your snake.
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Participating in proactive care of your snake.
A beginner may not understand the importance of the necessity of
providing natural sunlight whenever possible. No manmade light bulb
or tube can replace the effects of natural sunlight. Always
allow, if possible, the animal access to natural sunlight.
Filtered light, either by glass or plastic, will block out
beneficial ultraviolet rays and should be avoided if possible. A
few hours of natural sunlight each month will suffice, if the
reptile is supplied with full-spectrum artificial light the rest of
the time. What happens when there is a deficiency in vitamin
D? (1) |
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Many reptiles (and other captive animals as well) are vitamin D3
deficient. The main cause is lack of exposure to sunlight or
other ultraviolet light source. Sunlight filtered through glass
is not adequate because the UV rays needed to convert
7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3 are reflected.
Vitamin D3 deficient reptiles have thin, weak bones that
are surrounded with fibrous connective tissue (cartilage overgrowth)
for stability, giving them a swollen appearance. Lower jawbones are
often rubbery and misshapen. If not treated (mainly by proper
housing and diet), these animals may undergo fine muscular
twitching, spasms, paralysis and even death. (1) |
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Besides being extremely hard to artificially duplicate natural conditions, a human confining other animals often does not allow the confined animal to decide which food to eat or when to bask or hide. Besides hypocalcemia from poor diet leading to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP), many reptiles (and other captive animals as well) are vitamin D3 deficient. The main cause is lack of exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet light source. (1)
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(1) Vitamin D and its Function/Role(s) as a Steroid Hormone in Mammals and Reptiles Bryan Hummel, Biology 3449, November 28, 2000
D.S. Boys Company, LLC advocates for the well-being of exotic reptiles in captivity and for responsible reptile ownership.
To contact us:
D.S. Boys Company, LLC
P.O. Box 219
Palo Cedro, CA 96073
Email:
info@snakewalker.com
Phone: 530-356-1469
© 2004 D.S. Boys Company, LLC
all rights reserved
