Staffordshire Vets Exotic Rescue

12/09/2026

Totally agree! I tested one myself with my UVB reader and it didn’t emit any UVB at all. 😳

⚠️ PLEASE STOP USING THESE BULBS ⚠️
Please share this post — these bulbs are becoming increasingly common, and many keepers simply don't realise there may be a risk.

We are seeing more and more of these small “UVA + UVB” reptile bulbs being sold online, often supplied with inexpensive clamp lamps.

If you are currently using one, we strongly recommend replacing it with a reputable, purpose-designed reptile lighting system.

These tiny reflector bulbs are often advertised as providing heat, UVA and UVB all from one bulb. Unfortunately, there are serious concerns surrounding some unshielded halogen lamps of this type.

Unlike properly manufactured halogen basking lamps, some have an exposed halogen capsule with no protective glass lens which can potentially emit unwanted short-wavelength UV, including dangerous UVB/UVC wavelengths, which would normally be filtered by protective glass.

Excessive or inappropriate ultraviolet exposure can cause serious problems including eye inflammation and damage, skin damage and abnormal shedding. There are published veterinary reports of reptiles becoming ill following exposure to unsuitable UV-producing lamps.

There is another problem too…

They produce a very small, concentrated basking area.

Reptiles should be provided with a suitable basking zone that allows them to warm a significant area of their body. A tiny, intense beam can create a concentrated hotspot rather than providing the broad, even basking area we want.

❌ Cheap isn't always safe.
❌ Don't assume something is suitable simply because it says “reptile” or “UVA + UVB” on the listing.

For species requiring UVB, we recommend using reputable reptile UVB lighting with a known and tested output, correctly positioned for the species and enclosure. Heating should also be provided using an appropriate reptile basking lamp with a suitable beam spread and controlled where necessary.

If you have one of these bulbs and you're unsure what to replace it with, please bring us a photo of your enclosure and the animal you're keeping. We're always happy to help.

Watch this video from our friends Responsible Reptile Keeping to further understand the issues.
https://youtu.be/YO55wn5YUBY?si=EDwankutX7lJNG8V

12/09/2026

🏡 REHOMING LIST – Staffordshire Vets Exotic Rescue 🦎🐍🐢

We currently have the following animals looking for suitable, experienced homes:

🐢 2 x Male Horsfield Tortoises
One is smaller than the other. They will need the correct tortoise set-up, lighting, heating and diet.

🐍 1 x Ball Python
This snake needs to go to someone who has experience with snakes, particularly ones that may need a little more patience with handling.

🐢 1 x Female Marginated Tortoise
I am currently in talks with somebody regarding her.

PLEASE READ BEFORE MESSAGING

Before contacting me, please do some research into the animal you’re interested in and make sure you understand their housing, heating, UVB, diet and ongoing care requirements.

You don’t necessarily need to buy everything brand new. Have a look on Facebook Marketplace for second-hand vivariums, tortoise tables and set-ups — there are often some great bargains available.

When you message me, please include details of your experience, the set-up you have or are planning to get, and what research you have done into caring for that particular animal.

We want these animals to go to permanent, knowledgeable homes where they will receive the correct care for the rest of their lives. ❤️

06/09/2026

☀️ WHAT HAPPENS IF A REPTILE DOESN’T GET ENOUGH UVB?

For reptiles that require UVB, it isn’t an optional extra — it’s an essential part of their care.

Without adequate UVB, they may struggle to produce enough vitamin D3, meaning their body cannot use calcium properly.

Over time this can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

You may start to see:

🦎 Soft or deformed bones
🦎 Weak or swollen legs
🦎 Tremors or twitching
🦎 A soft or misshapen jaw
🦎 Difficulty walking or climbing
🦎 Poor appetite and weakness
🦎 Fractures — sometimes from very little trauma

In severe cases, the damage can be permanent and potentially fatal.

And remember — a UVB bulb lighting up doesn’t necessarily mean it’s still producing adequate UVB.

Correct UVB, calcium, diet and temperatures all work together to keep reptiles healthy. ❤️

We see the consequences of incorrect husbandry far too often in rescue, which is why education is so important.

06/09/2026

☀️ LET’S TALK UVB!

Did you know a UVB bulb can still light up but no longer be producing enough UVB? 👀

There are several ways of providing UVB:

☀️ Combined heat & UVB bulbs – heat and UVB from one bulb. Often used for basking species such as tortoises.

💡 UVB tubes – provide a wider spread of UVB and are a great option for many reptiles. Many T5 tubes are replaced around every 12 months.

🔆 Compact UVB bulbs – screw-in bulbs that provide UVB over a smaller area, so correct positioning is important.

✨ UVB LED lamps – newer technology, like the one pictured. They can produce UVB for considerably longer than traditional fluorescent lamps. The manufacturer of this one states up to 4 years/20,000 hours, but correct distance and UV Index still need to be checked.

📅 Don’t judge UVB by whether the light still works! Always follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance and ideally check your levels with a UVB meter.

Correct UVB = healthy bones, calcium absorption and happy reptiles. 🦎🐢

06/09/2026

He’s such a friendly boy 🩷

06/09/2026

🏡 REHOMING LIST – Staffordshire Vets Exotic Rescue 🦎🐍🐢

We currently have the following animals looking for suitable, experienced homes:

🐢 2 x Male Horsfield Tortoises
One is smaller than the other. They will need the correct tortoise set-up, lighting, heating and diet.

🐍 1 x Ball Python
This snake needs to go to someone who has experience with snakes, particularly ones that may need a little more patience with handling.

🐍 1 x Corn Snake
Super friendly and a lovely snake.

🐢 1 x Female Marginated Tortoise
I am currently in talks with somebody regarding her, but I will update the post if she becomes available again.

PLEASE READ BEFORE MESSAGING

Before contacting me, please do some research into the animal you’re interested in and make sure you understand their housing, heating, UVB, diet and ongoing care requirements.

You don’t necessarily need to buy everything brand new. Have a look on Facebook Marketplace for second-hand vivariums, tortoise tables and set-ups — there are often some great bargains available.

When you message me, please include details of your experience, the set-up you have or are planning to get, and what research you have done into caring for that particular animal.

We want these animals to go to permanent, knowledgeable homes where they will receive the correct care for the rest of their lives. ❤️

05/09/2026

Fresh food for the tortoises

03/09/2026

She’s just so beautiful 🙂

02/09/2026

💚 Please, if your reptile needs help — reach out.

We are not here to judge anyone. We would much rather you contact us and ask for help than leave it until it’s too late.

Sometimes people realise that something isn’t right, or that they’re struggling with their reptile’s care, but they’re worried about being judged. Please don’t be.

Our rescue is based inside a veterinary practice, which means reptiles coming into our care can be assessed and receive veterinary treatment straight away if they need it.

We’ve had some very poorly reptiles come through our doors recently, and sadly some problems could have been much easier to treat if help had been sought sooner.

Whether you need advice, veterinary help, or you simply can’t care for your reptile anymore — please reach out.

There is no shame in asking for help. The most important thing is getting that animal the care it needs. 🦎🐢🐍💚

Please don’t leave it too late.

02/09/2026

💚 Update on our poorly chameleon girl 💚

We had another rescue through our doors last week — this very poorly little chameleon girl.

We are still force feeding her every day, and our vet has made up some special fluids for her which she is also having daily.

She is still very poorly and we know we have a long way to go, but we are starting to see some little improvements. ❤️

The first photo is from when she first arrived with us. Her eyes were sunken and she was spending a lot of time with them closed. She was very dehydrated, weak and would often turn very dark/black.

The second photo is after some much-needed TLC. Her colour has come back, she no longer goes black — even after being force fed — her eyes look better, she is less dehydrated and she definitely seems to have a little more strength.

The plan is still to get her spayed, but right now she simply isn’t strong enough to safely undergo surgery. Our main priority is building her strength and getting her into the best condition we can first.

Female chameleons can unfortunately suffer with reproductive problems, and producing eggs can take a huge amount out of their little bodies.

For now, it’s one day at a time. 🤞💚

Fingers crossed she keeps heading in the right direction. She’s certainly getting plenty of TLC here! 🦎💚