Full Spectrum Lights

[aluv4squirrels]

If the full spectrum light is left on all day in the room that the squirrel has free roam of, will the squirrel get too much? I thought I may have read somthing like if a squirrel gets too much absorption of the Vit D, that it is like reabsorption on top of the original absorption and is very bad for the squirrel? How long should the light be left on in his room, if the squirrel is free roaming(not sitting directly under the light)? I am a bit confused on the issue since I have jsut recently learned a little bit about the lighting thanks to some of you at TSB.:thankyou

[thundersquirrel]

if i were you, i would consider wild squirrels. they spend a lot of time in the sun AND in the shade, and at night it's ALL shade.

if i were you, i would simulate nature. keep it on, but give him some places to climb and hide in that maybe don't get full spectrum light.

i've never heard of full spectrum overdose, but maybe someone who knows more will hop on soon. ;)

[Mrs. Jack]

Many calcium supplements and multi vitamins contain vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is essential to calcium metabolism, and is made in the Beardie's skin by contact with sufficient UVB wavelengths. Plants contain another type of vitamin D, called D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D2 is not nearly as efficient (in fact it is really worthless) at metabolizing calcium, hence the need for D3. Research suggests that Beardies may not utilize much or any of the D3 they ingest (as given in a vitamin supplement), only that made by the UVB-skin interaction. Therefore, buying a calcium supplement that contains D3 is not necessary for the calcium metabolism. Products such as Solar Drops and Moon Drops are a waste for Beardies as it misleads people who think that they are making up for the lack of sun or other proper UVB access, and harms the Beardie who ultimately suffers from metabolic bone disease from inadequate calcium being metabolized

this was on a site about bearded dragons.

squirrels with their fur, I think likely have less of an absorbtion from light than would bald things, like reptiles and humans even.

[Mars]

Good grief Mrs J. :thinking You had me going. Taken out of context I'm wondering what the heck is a Beardie :dono :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[Mrs. Jack]

:rotfl I read the whole site wondering what a beardie was, and then figured it out, so you're better off than me!

I think reptiles absorb differently than mammals, so I'm not sure that was really all that relevant anyway, I've just been reading about light and animals lately and then this thread came up.. I hadn't known there were TWO kinds of vitamin d, d2 and d3. available and absorbed differently, and one you can overdose on, but the other I read would really take some doing.

[Apple Corps]

Is there a concensus on the value of a Full Spectrum Bulb working on Squirrels vs D2 and D3 supplements?

[Mrs. Jack]

K, I read that sunlight helps the oils on the skin create the d in humans, but for a furred animal, how would this work??

[roguetiger]

ok, what kind of full spectrum light do I need? It is mentioned everywhere, but I couldn't find specs.

I got one of those 'under the counter' florescent lights from Lowe's and put a 15 watt "Sunlight" (it says full spectrum) bulb in it. Is this enough?

Thanks for the info

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

You know...Ive noticed a HUGE difference in his shiny ..its looking like Mr shiny...big difference..
I leave the light on all day..and he does have at least 3 places he can get away from the light...::hisses:: like a vampire:: kidding..
He does like to froggy out on the limb..Im waiting for him to pull out a bottle of tanning lotion..sun hat..and glasses...
BUT when he's had enough..he'll go inot his fleece pouch...loft area..or under his oak limbs..
I know..Ive been told I TAlk ALOT..BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A GREAL LITTLE FUZZER..LIKE bEAN..SORRY CAINT HELP IT...LoL..
Rachel.....................:poke :alright.gif :multi :jump
He's a good boy..a great joy to be around...the cares and stress of the day..seem to melt away..when he's bouncing like a flea..or doing the cirlce physco...roll..all over my body...round and round..he goes...LOL
:multi

[roguetiger]

[QUOTE=Gammas Baby]But to be absolutely sure you're getting FSL: to be a full spectrum bulb, the color temperature must be 5000K or greater, and the CRI (color rendering index) must be at least 90. You should be able to find the color temp and the CRI listed on the package somewhere.
QUOTE]

Yep, I just checked the packaging - an 18" 15 watt GE 'Sunshine bulb' has these requirements. Good.

I'm also tried giving him a hard boiled egg today. So far he just sniffed it and grabbed the grape instead. You really give them a whole egg?

[Apple Corps]

I do not think the color temp is the issue at all. There are two questions at play:

What is the UV B production from the lamp?

Does that UV B production help a "furry" squirrel use the dietary calcium or not?

We really need to find the answer - we might be pushing things that simply do not help.

[sparky]

I've always wondered about how well light could penetrate their fur as well Mrs. Jack. I also wonder what effect a squirrel's thick skin would play in the part. I always add calcionate syrup and liquid vitamins to their water to be on the safe side. I wish that was more research on the diets and health of squirrels. In recent years there has been more interest shown, and I believe it's because more and more people are beginning to appreciate them. I read an article about a colledge that was doing research on squirrels a few years ago, and they commented how strange it is that we know more about foreign spiecies than we do about some of our own native animals.

Sparky

[anneke]

How close to the light source must the animal be for it to be effectiv?

[Rhapsody]

I have been thinking about getting a light here soon - for Max is 9.5 weeks old and he is only taking the puppy milk once a day......... so can someone please run down the specs needed on this bulb / light - maybe even supply a link to one. :thankyou

[Rhapsody]

NP on Price..... for we have a Bearded Dragon and his light was NOT cheap either.

Can you Copy & Paste the LINK on here to the page that talks about the lighting / bulb? :thankyou

[Sarah]

NP on Price..... for we have a Bearded Dragon and his light was NOT cheap either.

Can you Copy & Paste the LINK on here to the page that talks about the lighting / bulb? :thankyou

This link is a general discussion of the lights and where to buy.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7294

This link has the specific ratings to look for in the lights.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7316

[Rhapsody]

:thankyou Sarah -:thumbsup