UV light for BTS?

Beardonicus · 10-12-03, 02:45 PM

I have done some research on Blue Tongued Skinks and I have read that they do not need UV light as long as their diet is supplemented, and I have heard they need it. Is this really necessary like it is for Beardies, or is it just a good thiing to have?

eyespy · 10-12-03, 02:48 PM

Absolutely necessary for beardies, not needed for BTS as long as they are fed D3-containing supplements or eat the livers of animals, such as rodents. Herbivores and omnivores just aren't set up to extract vitamin D very well from dietary sources, so beardies given D3 orally tend to accumulate it in their livers instead of using it effectively. BTS extract D3 from their diets quite well.

LISA127 · 10-12-03, 06:45 PM

I have heard the same thing. UVB is not absolutely required for blue tongued skinks, altho I personally always provide mine with a UVB flourescent. I just think it helps them psychologically. And I believe most ppl who keeps bts feel the same way. I also supplement with calcium/D3 two to four times a month.

Wuntu Menny · 10-12-03, 10:07 PM

We've always used a good UVB light for our BTS as well as provide balanced and supplemented diet. We always know when the light needs to be replaced simply by observing the skink. He gets very lazy and loses a lot of color when the UV starts to taper off. Within a couple of days of replacement, he is back to his old self.

WM