General Care Discussion :: are there ways to replace UVB light?

[wbedoya]

Is there any other way we can replace the vitamin d3 that our RES get from the sun by feeding them food that contains it? I read that Tuna, salmon, and egg yolks are good sources of vitamin d3 which is what our turtles need for a healthier and harder shell....wouldnt it be the same if we just fed them vitamin d3 directly or what would the difference be between both? Thanks guys!

[TheComputerGremlin]

You can give them foods that are high in vitamin D, however, tuna and salmon are high in protein and will cause pyramiding in the amounts that would be needed, and egg yolks aren't recommended for turtles. Your turtle pellets should contain some amount of vitamin D, and there are supplements that can be given.

That said, nothing replaces getting the good stuff from UVB. Even humans need it, you should be getting 15 minutes of UVB unblocked by any sun blocks on your skin daily. We began fortifying milk with vitamin D because we weren't getting enough sun! And besides, UVB bulbs cost about $20/year and the sun is free if you can get your turtle set up in it. It's really good for the body to synthesize their own materials when possible.

[worldpeace]

I think the amount of vitamin D they would get from foods is too small. That is because the percentage of vitamin D in the foods is not high enough and during the digestion process most of it gets lost. I found that while shedding, UVB light that was enforced by foods rich in vitamin D made the shedding happen a lot faster and the shell looked so much healthier.

[wbedoya]

Ok thanks a lot for clearing that up...I do have a uvb light but I asked just cause I was curious....lol

[worldpeace]

Glad to help.