UV question

[themonsheshe]

I wanted to ask if someone knew if whether or not a chameleon would somehow know if it is receiving ample UV. I have a fairly large enclosure for mine ( a small room ) and provide multiple sources, he likes one light in particular and will perch under it for various intervals throughout the day. I do have a combo heat/uv light in the room but he seems to gravitate toward the regular uv bulb that he can get closer too. I understand the complications on not providing enough UV in a cage but as i mentioned before there are various sources,however, there are also places in the room he can go to get away from the light. does the chameleon have an inherent sense of UV? similar to when its hungry/thirsty?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I tend to be concerned about UVB specifically.
If you are providing a light that is an adequate source, your chameleon will spend an intentional amount of time under it.
I don't like the combo lights when basking and UVB are together. In my experience a chameleon usually wants one or the other and should be given the opportunity to absorb heat without being under the UVB light.

-Brad

 

[ChromaChameleons]

I totally agree with Brad. Chameleons need basking heat and UVB . And they need the ability to avoid them also , if they choose. Combining both , does not allow the cham any optionother than to take both or none at all.

 

[Sage]

Is there any bulb I can use until I get a long fixture thing?

 

[themonsheshe]

I have three different uvb sources in my room however one is a combo bulb. when you keep a chameleon in a cage, it tends to be under some kind of uvb source all day long to some degree. my situation is a little different in that my cham can get up to 5 feet away from the source and stay there for however long it wants. it does bask under the lights for sure, but im not 100% sure how much exposure its getting, which is why i posed the question..... is the animal able to regulate its own uvb intake provided there is an adequate source?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I believe so.

-Brad