Myth 84: “It is necessary to spray the cage carefully otherwise the bulbs explode.”

Reality & Correct Practice

1. Spraying and Bulbs

• You should never spray bulbs directly. Moisture on hot glass can cause cracking or shattering.

• Spraying bulbs inside the cage is against safety rules and not permitted.

2. Timing of Spraying

• Spray only before lights are switched on or after they are switched off.

• Never spray while bulbs are operating — this risks thermal shock and potential respiratory irritation (RI) for the animals.

3. Placement of Bulbs

• Bulbs should not be inside the cage where misting or spraying occurs.

• Correct placement is outside the enclosure, protected by a mesh or guard, ensuring animals cannot touch or water cannot reach them.

4. Standard Recommendation

• Follow enclosure humidity protocols without compromising electrical safety.

• Use misting systems or manual spraying directed at substrate and cage surfaces, not at lighting equipment.

Spraying bulbs is unsafe and unnecessary. 

Mist only when lights are off, and never place bulbs inside the cage where they can be exposed to water. 

Proper husbandry requires separating humidity control from lighting safety to avoid risks of bulb damage and respiratory issues.