I have a semi-rescued desert tortoise (we found her wandering at the end of the road near the beach about six months ago- more info HERE) who is currently living indoors since it hasn't really warmed up yet, but with lots of supervised outside time in the sun in our fenced backyard. We live near a canyon and there are a lot of large birds around here so I don't feel comfortable leaving her outside on her own since she's still sort of small though I'd like to build some sort of wire covered run for her before summer gets here so she can soak up those rays!
Anyway, my question is this: I've been taking her outside almost every day except in the case of bad weather like the rains we've had in SoCal these past few weeks, and I've read a lot of conflicting information on how much sunlight and UV exposure torts need.
I was planning on getting a UV bulb and then I read that tortoises can get enough UV exposure with only twenty minutes in the sun every few days. Other information I've seen says they need anywhere from 2-8 hours daily, some says that they don't need to be outside as long as you've got a good UV bulb- though I don't think that could possibly be accurate- there's no substitute for real sunlight.
I'm new to this and I'd really love to know if there are any general guidelines.
My family's just starting to come out of a pretty rough financial situation so I might not be able to get a UV bulb for a few more weeks, and I'm wondering if I should supplement with calcium or D3 in the meantime, and also, if there are any special considerations regarding supplements because of the pyramiding she has.
Anyway, my question is this: I've been taking her outside almost every day except in the case of bad weather like the rains we've had in SoCal these past few weeks, and I've read a lot of conflicting information on how much sunlight and UV exposure torts need.
I was planning on getting a UV bulb and then I read that tortoises can get enough UV exposure with only twenty minutes in the sun every few days. Other information I've seen says they need anywhere from 2-8 hours daily, some says that they don't need to be outside as long as you've got a good UV bulb- though I don't think that could possibly be accurate- there's no substitute for real sunlight.
I'm new to this and I'd really love to know if there are any general guidelines.
My family's just starting to come out of a pretty rough financial situation so I might not be able to get a UV bulb for a few more weeks, and I'm wondering if I should supplement with calcium or D3 in the meantime, and also, if there are any special considerations regarding supplements because of the pyramiding she has.