What does the UV bulb do for a Chameleon?

[photogurl247]

I know they need a UV bulb and a heat lamp. I have everything she needs but I am wondering what does the UV provide? I am curios because she is basking under her UV rather then her heat lamp...I just find it odd and she is not eating as much as usual so I am worried its a digestion issue

 

[photogurl247]

I am new to this site so I had a hard time posting a picture...if you click on this link it should bring you to a photo of her on my FB account. See how she is under the UV
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...201309370.1073741897.629939369&type=3&theater

 

[pssh]

Well, a UVB bulb provides UVB so that the animal can produce vitamin D (like humans do with the sun.) They need D3 to properly absorb calcium. Without D3, they can develop metabolic bone disease.

How old is she? It could be that she is naturally starting to eat a little less because she is getting older. Its also possible that she is gravid and needs to lay eggs so she has stopped eating as much (I dont think so, but its a possibility.)

 

[Venutus1]

I know they need a UV bulb and a heat lamp. I have everything she needs but I am wondering what does the UV provide? I am curios because she is basking under her UV rather then her heat lamp...I just find it odd and she is not eating as much as usual so I am worried its a digestion issue

Excellent Question!

Just to add, here it is explained in easy to understand detail as to why it is SO CRITICAL:
http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/the-d3-cycle/

Not just for Chams, but most of the reptiles we keep.
Even nocturnal ones benefit from TINY amounts of UV.

Cheers!
Thank you!
Todd Goode


please click on pic to enlarge:

 

[photogurl247]

Well, a UVB bulb provides UVB so that the animal can produce vitamin D (like humans do with the sun.) They need D3 to properly absorb calcium. Without D3, they can develop metabolic bone disease.

How old is she? It could be that she is naturally starting to eat a little less because she is getting older. Its also possible that she is gravid and needs to lay eggs so she has stopped eating as much (I dont think so, but its a possibility.)

She is 4 months old. We were dusting w a Calcium that had D3 in it 2 times a week then I read your only suppose to do that 2xs a month so today I went out and bought plain Calcium w no D3 to dust every day.

 

[photogurl247]

Excellent Question!

Just to add, here it is explained in easy to understand detail as to why it is SO CRITICAL:
http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/the-d3-cycle/

Not just for Chams, but most of the reptiles we keep.
Even nocturnal ones benefit from TINY amounts of UV.

Cheers!
Thank you!
Todd Goode


please click on pic to enlarge:

Thank you!