With spring finally here, it’s time for our two tortoises, Toogie and Rigby, to step outside and bask in the warmth of the sun. After months spent indoors during the cold winter, they’re ready for some fresh air and sunshine!
Why does outside time matter to a tortoise? Like many other reptiles, tortoises need natural sunlight to produce Vitamin D3, which helps them metabolize calcium and maintain a healthy shell and bones. While indoor UVB lights help, nothing beats the full-spectrum sunlight they get outside.
Tortoises are cold-blooded which means they can’t regulate their body temperature internally, so they rely on the sun to keep them warm. Providing them with outdoor shading is also important so they can soak up natural heat and move into the shade, so they don’t overheat.
Being outside also allows Toogie and Rigby to exhibit natural behaviors like digging, foraging, and exploring activities that keep them physically and mentally active. It’s amazing to see how much more energetic and curious they are when they're in the yard!
Its also incredibly important for us as caretakers to ensure their outdoor spaces are safe for them to be in. Doing daily walks in their yard, inspecting fencing, shelters, and digging areas to make sure there are no dangerous hazards for our shelly friends to get hurt on, stuck in, or escape from.
Getting outside is vital for Toogie and Rigby’s health, from Vitamin D production to engaging in natural behaviors. If you’re a tortoise owner, I highly recommend creating a safe outdoor space for your pets to enjoy the benefits of the sun and fresh air.
