As reptiles, bearded dragons have unique eyesight that’s quite different from humans. So, their ability to perceive light colors has always been debated among the owners. For example, one common question is, can bearded dragons see red light?
Bearded dragons have the ability to see red light. In fact, as opposed to what many believe, bearded dragons are not color blind. That means they can see colors in light exceptionally well.
But the real question is, is red light bad for bearded dragons? If so, when to use red light for bearded dragon enclosures? Let’s take a deep dive and understand all about the topic, shall we?
Can Bearded Dragons See Red Light?
As discussed earlier, bearded dragons are capable of seeing red light. Now, even though bearded dragons have color vision, they do not see the world the same way as us. That means they might not be able to distinguish different colors properly.
Nonetheless, bearded dragons have two types of cone cells, which are also known as photoreceptor cells. And these cone cells allow them to see red. However, their photoreceptor cells can not separate each shade of red.
These days, red lights are used in the enclosures of bearded dragons during the night. They are said to keep the bearded dragons warm. That’s why you will find red lights in most of the starter kits.
Is Red Light Bad for Bearded Dragons?
Technically, red light is not bad for bearded dragons. You just have to make sure that you are using it correctly. Now, as discussed earlier, red lights are said to be perfect for nighttime use, as they offer bearded dragons the heat they need at night.
But in reality, red lights should be avoided during the nighttime. It is known to interrupt the sleeping cycle of bearded dragons at night. Moreover, red lights can even damage their eyes if you do not set the intensity of the light right.
In addition to that, red lights at night can induce stress in bearded dragons. That will eventually lead to other health issues. Also, these reptiles can face appetite loss and a weak immune system due to lack of sleep if the red lights are used improperly.
When to Use Red Light for Bearded Dragon?
Regular UVA basking lights, UVB lights, and red lights are different. Considering that, the use cases for these are not the same either. Nonetheless, you should not use red lights during the night. Instead, you can use the red light during the day.
Daytime use will not cause any harm to the bearded dragons as there is more than enough light around other than the red light. And as red lights are known to provide these reptiles with heat, they can be an excellent basking light for the day.
That said if you have no other option other than red light to offer them heat at night, work with the placement of the bulb. Make sure the light does not shine directly on the bearded dragon.
Other Light Sources for Bearded Dragons
So, instead of using red lights as a heat source for the bearded dragon during the night, you can use these alternatives instead:
Ceramic Bulbs
Compared to most heating bulbs, ceramic bulbs do a great job of keeping the bearded dragons warm during the night and day. However, you need to note that ceramic bulbs can not offer UV rays, which is something fluorescent bulbs can offer.
So, during the day, you would want to use ceramic bulbs and fluorescent bulbs together in the enclosure.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs
Generally, mercury vapor bulbs are more on the expensive side. But the good news is that they last longer than most of the other lights. So you will not need to go through the hassle of changing them frequently.
Nonetheless, these bulbs have the ability to offer both UVB and UVA lights. In addition to that, they can provide the heat that lizards require to stay comfortable in a terrarium. Most importantly, they are safe to use during the night!
Purple or Blue Light Bulbs
Blue or purple bulbs are great alternatives to red light. Unlike red bulbs, these do not cause sleeping pattern issues in bearded dragons. And they can also offer the reptiles adequate heat during the night.
Can Bearded Dragons See Infrared Light?
Bearded dragons can see. In case you didn’t know, bearded dragons are sensitive to infrared radiation. That is one of the reasons why these reptiles can prey even in darkness, allowing them to quickly spot warm-blooded predators.
That said, these reptiles do not require a day/night cycle of infrared light. But yes, infrared light does offer a lot of benefits. For example, these lights can provide bearded dragons with the heat and light they need to maintain their body temperature.
In addition, infrared light is also known for aiding digestion and helping regulate these reptiles’ sleep cycles. But no matter what, you should use the correct infrared heat lamp to get all these benefits. That is, get the ones that are for reptiles.
Final Words
So, to answer Can bearded dragons see red light, you have to break through the common misconception about their eyesight. That is, bearded dragons are not colorblind. In fact, their sight allows them to see different colors in the light.
Yes, they might not be able to differentiate the shades properly. But still, they can distinguish the difference between one particular to another. So, make sure to consider everything discussed here if you plan to use a red light in the enclosure.
