General Care Discussion :: pellets containing V D = no UVB needed??

[JosephX]

is it true???????????????

[mikee]

Sliders need thier uvb light or sun light. The rays help in the shedding and their metabolism. The uvb also helps with the bacteria and with any fungus and or shell rot. They need to dry out on a regular basis. Some have survived not having any uvb or sunlight but it is not good for them.

[richieboy]

I would say vitamin D is better than nothing. But I would get them some basking and UVB light as soon as possible.

[steve]

I agree with the other comments. UVB rays allow them to produce vitamin D3 and metabolize calcium naturally.

[marisa]

A number of brands of pellets contain Vit D3, but this in itself won't provide the Vit D3 a turtle needs. (I wouldn't rely on drops that claim to provide necessary Vit D3 either.) The best and most efficient way for a turtle to get the Vit D3 he needs is through basking, either in direct sunlight (if the weather is warm enough), or under a UVB light.