Should my baby turtle use a uv lamp or should I put it in the sun?

[vanessa]

Ok so my 2 month old ornate boxie has a 1.5 ft x 3.5 ft plastic habitat with dirt and moss at the bottom it also has logs to hide under should I put the habitat outside for about 1 hour a day or use the lamp? (Btw I live in Texas about 98 degrees every day!)

 

[Greg T]

Hi fellow Texan. I've been told by several respected guys on the forum that providing 30-60 minutes of direct sunlight a few times a week is plenty for good growth. I don't get my little guys outside enough, so I still use a light indoors too. I would think an hour a day is great exposure.

 

[Tom]

Greg is right, but MAKE SURE your baby doesn't over heat. Have lots of shade, plants and cover and make sure the enclosure is mostly in the shade at ALL TIMES. UV refracts and bounces around, even when they are hidden in the shade, so don't worry if he hides all the time.

 

[vanessa]

Ok thanks to both of y'all I have plenty of shade