Sunlight is what humans need to survive. It’s essential for their health as well as well-being. That’s why you may raise a question whether your turtle needs sunlight, too. The answer is yes, it does. Sunlight is something turtles can’t live without. What is more, it’s extremely important for these animals to stay healthy, just like a healthy diet.
So, if you are interested in the benefits and drawbacks of sunlight in turtles’ life as well as how long they should stay in sunlight, check my article out. I’ll try to show you many aspects of the subject matter. Though I haven’t written a scientific journal on that topic, I am the turtle owner with huge experience. What is more, I backed my own personal knowledge with legitimate sources and projects of other scientists.
Basking in the sun – four main reasons why it is a good idea
There are plenty of reasons why it’s a good idea for turtles to bask in the sun. However, I would like to draw your attention to four main advantages of turtles staying in sunlight. Here’s the following:
Sunlight reagulates turtles’ body temperature
While being in the wild, aquatic turtles spend a lot of time in the sunlight. It’s because these creatures are considered to be ectothermic which means that they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. That is why turtles strongly rely on environmental sources of heat.
Moreover, such a solution warms their body as well as assists in maintaining their metabolism. It’s also worth mentioning that raised body temperature is very important as far as combating dangerous diseases and harmful bacteria is concerned.
Sunlight dries out your turtle’s skin and shell
Seemingly, it doesn’t sound good, however, it’s a positive phenomenon. It’s widely known that aquatic turtles spend a lot of time in the water. Although it’s their natural environment, too much water may cause contracting harmful bacteria as well as fungi on their shells.
If turtles aren’t treated in such a situation, their shells are more likely to rot and, consequently, turtles may die. That’s why it’s of huge significance for turtles to stay in sunlight to protect their shells and fight with diseases -> Please look at why turtles fight each other.
Sunlight helps to absorb UV rays
I guess it’s one of the most crucial reasons why your turtle should stay in sunlight. It helps them to absorb the UVA and UVB rays, which regulate turtles’ metabolism. Furthermore, these rays are essential for absorbing necessary nutrients. UVA rays help to improve turtles’ physical activity, their appetite as well as breeding behavior.
UVB rays help to process Calcium, which is crucial for the healthy development of your turtle’s bones and shells. It’s necessary to add that Vitamin D3 is significant in processing and utilizing Calcium. Vitamin D comes from the sun and turtles have an ability to convert it into Vitamin D3. Therefore, without UVB light your turtle cannot produce Vitamin D3 and, consequently, is unable to process Calcium coming from its daily diet.
Sunlight helps to maintain circadian rhythm
Turtles, just like humans, follow the day and night cycle and sunlight helps them to do so. Thanks to light, your animal is able to distinguish day from night. What is important to mention, aquatic turtles have some kind of a daily routine and the lack of sunshine may disrupt this routine. The result of the absence of sunlight may cause turtles’ stress and anxiety.
How long do turtles need to stay in sunlight?
Now you know that turtles definitely need sunlight to survive. But how can you know how long they need to stay in this sunlight? Just let me explain it to you.
In their natural environment turtles bask in the sun on the logs or rocks which is a pleasant view. If you want to let your turtle bask in the sun as well, remember to put it in direct sunlight even a couple of times a week. Every time it should take from about 20 to 30 minutes. What’s more, it’s necessary to emphasize that it should look like that only when indoor artificial UV light is taken into account.
Nevertheless, when turtles lack indoor artificial light, their exposure to natural sunlight should last from 2 to 4 hours a day. It will help your turtle meet its needs. If you want to expose your turtle to the sun for the first time, you have to remember that it will only need about 10 minutes. Then, you can gradually increase sunlight exposure every time your turtle is taken outside.
What’s of huge significance is that it’s advisable to balance between sunshine and shade. Despite the fact that sunlight is needed for turtles’ healthy shell growth, your animal also needs some shade, especially when it’s hot outside.
Consequences of an insufficient amount of UV light
UVB light as well as coming from it Vitamin D are vital for turtles’ health. Processing Calcium is required for strong bone development and shell growth. So, what happens when your turtle doesn’t get a sufficient amount of natural light?
Without UVB rays, it’s impossible for turtles to absorb Calcium via Vitamin D. It’ll make their bones and shells weaker and turtles themselves will become lethargic and they may lose their appetite. As a result of turtles’ weaker immune system, these aquatic animals may be prone to various infections and severe diseases.
Also, you have to bear in mind that shell growth may stop and turtles may develop the so-called Metabolic Bone Disease. These health problems may turn out to be fatal for your beloved animal.
Now you know if your turtle needs sunlight
To sum up, aquatic turtles do need to be exposed to sunlight. It’s a part of their nature. There is a wide range of benefits coming from taking turtles outside. However, you need to remember how long they can stay in natural light and what happens when they do not get enough UV light. If you do your best when it comes to taking care of your turtle, it will definitely enjoy its healthy life.
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