Well, the weather is singing for our reptiles. With the temperatures hitting mid-80's, many are enjoying a bit of natural sunshine. Although we use artificial UV producing light bulbs in our lizard enclosures, nothing compares to the real thing. So they get treated to an hour or two of natural sunlight whenever possible. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper calcium metabolism in reptiles, just as in people. Improper lighting or a deficient diet can lead to calcium deficiency and Metabolic Bone Disease. An independent group ran various tests on a multitude of lights and posted the results here: http://www.uvguide.co.uk/ An excellent resource for reptile enthusiasts!
Don't forget about your own Vitamin D needs! For fear of skin cancer or busy lifestyles, people are avoiding the sun and using sunscreen when they do venture outdoors. Doctors are finding folks deficient in Vitamin D and recommend 1,000 IU taken daily as a supplement.
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