do we really need uv lamps

[mrscross78]

Originally Posted by Helen M

Oh ETA tortoises are designed to produce D3 through their skin like us humans. Therefore it's probably more effective to have the tortoise take up it's D3 through natural sunlight rather than internally. Especially when things your tortoise could eat could interfere with the process.

Helen xx

Sorry if i'm being thick but what's an ETA tortoise?

[pagan queen]

Think about it logically. We put them in the garden as much as we can, we supplement their food with D3 and those of us who feed pellets are giving D3 in that way too. In winter, those that hibernate don't use UV lamps anyway and those who overwinter still supplement them. UV lamps are a big money maker.

[Helen M]

Originally Posted by wigwamman

could it be possible that i can save £125 on a solarmeter 6.2 £120 on 3 new arcadia's which now need replacing (currently mega ray)
there are some cheaper options out there to provide more heat and light as is necessary in the next couple of months.
YOUR VIEWS PLEASE

Why do you need a solarmeter? And are your bulbs actually broken or do they still provide heat? I don't replace these bulbs until they blow. As if your tort is getting summer sun etc you shouldn't need to worry about the uv output of your bulbs too much.

Helen xx

[Helen M]

Originally Posted by mrscross78

Sorry if i'm being thick but what's an ETA tortoise?

Sorry I meant Edited To Add to my past post.

Helen xx

[pagan queen]

Originally Posted by mrscross78

Sorry if i'm being thick but what's an ETA tortoise?

Edited to Add?

[EJ]

All vertebrates are designed to produce D3 through the skin. While this is probably the most natural way of producing D3... dietary supplementation is a viable option.

[wigwamman]

was thinking of getting a solarmeter for xmas lol,boys toys!!!!
my current mv lamps are around 3 years old but still light up,torts are out EVERY day rain or shine (heated cold frame).
looks like making a few changes.
thanks for replies so far
dave

[NATURALIS]

hmmm, interesting but!!!! , how much suplimented vit D3 is required to not need uv lamps for tortoise's kept inside without natural uv ????.

[Helen M]

Originally Posted by EJ

All vertebrates are designed to produce D3 through the skin. While this is probably the most natural way of producing D3... dietary supplementation is a viable option.

Surely it's better to allow tortoises to regulate their uv exposure as they're meant to without added complications of their bodies having to deal with d3 from the use of nutrobal and such. I'm just not convinced it's a viable option when the likes of nutrobal are very highly concentrated (pinch per 2kg of animal) therefore likely to be overdone in small animals.

How do tortoises regulate their d3 through dietry uptake?

Helen xx

[EJ]

How much UVB is required?

Originally Posted by red foot marg

hmmm, interesting but!!!! , how much suplimented vit D3 is required to not need uv lamps for tortoise's kept inside without natural uv ????.