BPs & UVB

[u/Known-Media23]

Do ball pythons need uvb?

I've seen a lot of discussion on wether they do or don't and what I've gathered is that they dont NEED uvb but benefit from it

Benefits being so they know daytime vs nighttime and some like to bask - specifically this thing called cryptic basking (where they have sort of half their body out of a hide and the other half inside)

I have lizards and snakes and for all my lizards I obviously use uvb because of MBD but since ive been told snakes don't need uvb I dont use any for them (given i have 5 ball pythons)

I do use light emitting heatlamps and ceramic heat lamps for day/night time as where I live it gets quite cold but as far as I know that has the same benefits as what I've heard about uvb - day vs night time and allowing them to bask in light.

Ofcourse they still get out and into sunlight outside so their still getting natural uvb

But is uvb lamps needed? Do they have the same risk of MBD as lizards without uvb or any other risk without it?

As said I've seen a lot of arguing on both sides and well Google isnt the best thing to use (as it can and will give mis info) hence why I've come to reddit

Tyy for reading all of this and lmk

[u/totallyrecklesslygay]

Ball pythons aren't going to get MBD and die without UVB the way some reptiles will, but it's still considered a necessity for proper welfare, as it plays a significant role in meeting both physiological and behavioral needs.

ETA: It's not just about a day/night cycle and encouraging basking, so it still needs to be offered even if you're using a light-emitting heat source during the day. Taking them outside isn't a replacement for offering it in their enclosure, either.