Sunbeam through window.....

Mighty_Quinn · 22-09-2013, 02:54 PM

Is it ok for a tortoise enclosure to be partly positioned where the sun comes in through the window? I've noticed Quinn recently almost half climbing up the side of his enclosure to get into a Sunbeam that's coming through the living room window so thought about moving my living room around so he gets extra light and heat from the window (I know double glazing stops UV) but he would still have his basking bulb etc and cool spots.......I assume this would be ok?

Merlin M · 22-09-2013, 03:43 PM

Mine get natural light doesn't seem to do them any harm...

Pussygalore · 22-09-2013, 04:36 PM

the only time to worry is in the summer if the whole table is in the sun and gets to hot

Merlin M · 22-09-2013, 04:57 PM

Yes the patched that got the sun got to 50°C in my table, but it only ever got sun in places so they could escape

burnt toast · 22-09-2013, 06:18 PM

I think it would be fine. Its funny, our dog chases rays of sunshine round the landing & lies in them - his favourite spot in the afternoon is snoozing in the conservatory!!

emma_mcraf · 22-09-2013, 06:35 PM

As my tables are stacked, I have Theo up near a window and he loves catching the morning sun when it comes in. The window has blinds so I'm able to control the level of sunshine coming in and through the summer he's outdoors anyway, but he loves positioning himself in the sunlight. I think it's fine for Quinn to enjoy his sunbeam.

Merlin M · 22-09-2013, 07:15 PM

They do notice the difference! I caught Misha sitting in the full sun in the table in the summer, Windows open wide so even getting all the uv, but it was 50°C! Now I can't move the table, but thought he will move when he gets too hot, and he did some 20 minutes later!

Arcadiajohn · 23-09-2013, 08:35 AM

As you can imagine sunlight is far far brighter than synthetic light. Reptiles being tetrachromates will be able to detect this power and a small increase in uva. There will also be a visible heat path. So they will try and get into the area with most power. It is evolution acting out before your eyes.

The glass will cut all of the UVB which could be confusing for it but it's a great idea to give them natural sunlight. If you can open the door or window so direct light comes in more the better.

It's a very natural behaviour!

John

22-09-2013, 02:54 PM	#1
Mighty_Quinn Member Hatchling Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: East Scotland Posts: 500	Sunbeam through window..... Is it ok for a tortoise enclosure to be partly positioned where the sun comes in through the window? I've noticed Quinn recently almost half climbing up the side of his enclosure to get into a Sunbeam that's coming through the living room window so thought about moving my living room around so he gets extra light and heat from the window (I know double glazing stops UV) but he would still have his basking bulb etc and cool spots.......I assume this would be ok? __________________

22-09-2013, 03:43 PM	#2
Merlin M Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 4,186	Mine get natural light doesn't seem to do them any harm... __________________ 1:1:1 Horsfields (Misha, Amber and Teabag) 1:0:0 Dog: Rocco, Rottweiler cross 1 husband (Russ)

22-09-2013, 04:57 PM	#4
Merlin M Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 4,186	Yes the patched that got the sun got to 50°C in my table, but it only ever got sun in places so they could escape __________________ 1:1:1 Horsfields (Misha, Amber and Teabag) 1:0:0 Dog: Rocco, Rottweiler cross 1 husband (Russ)

22-09-2013, 06:35 PM	#6
emma_mcraf Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Devon Posts: 11,365	As my tables are stacked, I have Theo up near a window and he loves catching the morning sun when it comes in. The window has blinds so I'm able to control the level of sunshine coming in and through the summer he's outdoors anyway, but he loves positioning himself in the sunlight. I think it's fine for Quinn to enjoy his sunbeam. __________________ Emma Testudo Hermanni 5.12.2:Theo, Tamara, Tabitha, Harriet, Isabelle, Clara, Oscar, Hugo, Oliver, Florence, Arabella, Esmé, Aurelia, Felicia, Claudia, Atticus, Celestia, Amaris, Tristan and Clementine Budgies: Jasper, Ivo, Otis, Henry, Louie and Luca Doggies: 1.1.0 Chester and Lottie

22-09-2013, 07:15 PM	#7
Merlin M Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 4,186	They do notice the difference! I caught Misha sitting in the full sun in the table in the summer, Windows open wide so even getting all the uv, but it was 50°C! Now I can't move the table, but thought he will move when he gets too hot, and he did some 20 minutes later! __________________ 1:1:1 Horsfields (Misha, Amber and Teabag) 1:0:0 Dog: Rocco, Rottweiler cross 1 husband (Russ)

22-09-2013, 04:36 PM	#3
Pussygalore Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cambridge Posts: 6,479	the only time to worry is in the summer if the whole table is in the sun and gets to hot

22-09-2013, 06:18 PM	#5
burnt toast Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5,246	I think it would be fine. Its funny, our dog chases rays of sunshine round the landing & lies in them - his favourite spot in the afternoon is snoozing in the conservatory!!

23-09-2013, 08:35 AM	#8
Arcadiajohn Member Hatched Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: West sussex Posts: 424	As you can imagine sunlight is far far brighter than synthetic light. Reptiles being tetrachromates will be able to detect this power and a small increase in uva. There will also be a visible heat path. So they will try and get into the area with most power. It is evolution acting out before your eyes. The glass will cut all of the UVB which could be confusing for it but it's a great idea to give them natural sunlight. If you can open the door or window so direct light comes in more the better. It's a very natural behaviour! John __________________ John courteney-smith MRSB Arcadia reptile products manager MBD and reptile nutrition books OUT NOW www.arcadia-reptile.com/reptile-care-books Please join us on Facebook, Arcadia reptile www.Arcadia-reptile.com

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