Is this light any good?

[mudmaiden]

I have a question...I have a Reptisun 5.0 uvb tropical light..it states on the box it will prevent or reverse MBD in lizards..I was told this is also good for the squirrels..does anyone know if this is so??...thanks!!!

[mudmaiden]

I guess nobody knows..lol

[Legomom]

I've been told that reptile lights are not a good idea because they generate too much heat & you don't want to overheat a squirrel. What you want is a Full Spectrum Light bulb. Most of us use OTT Light bulbs. Here's a thread with a pretty good discussion on the topic.

http://www.thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14403&highlight=light

Good luck! :thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

:bump :bump
curious what bulbs peeps are using nowadays!

[CritterMom]

Legomom, you are thinking about the reptile basking lights, which are designed to kick out heat. The Repti-sun lights ARE good for squirrels - they are available both in the little compact fluorescent type, and as the long T-8 tubes (the skinny fluorescents). As cool to the touch as a fluorescent.

You want to buy the highest number you can, which is 10.0. Bear in mind that a reptile spends most of it's time right under the light, wheras a squirrel is bombing all over the cage. The "5.0" and "10.0" refer to the number of inches the UV penetrates - so the highest you can even BUY only has strong UV for the first 10 inches below the bulb.

The OTT lamps are VISUAL full spectrum - the light LOOKS like full spectrum light. They are great for sewing and crafts but don't have the UV that is needed to process calcium. To the best of my knowledge, the ONLY lamps that do are the reptile lamps.

Of course I found out all of this after I got the two 4' "full spectrum" fluorescents, so Mister P has all KINDS of light now!

[squirrelfriend]

I don't know that brand but full spectrum lights that are meant for lizards are also good for squirrels. The one that creates heat is not the one you want. There are some that are like regular bulbs and don't give off any extra heat than a regular light bulb would. The squirrel might enjoy basking in the warmth if you are in a cold climate and it is winter. In the warmer months it might not be appreciated. It will be way too hot then. The light needs to be no more than 2 feet away from the cage. They lose strength with distance away from the cage.