Should I provide my Blue Tongue Skink with UV light??

[ReptileFanatic]

Hey guys! so, I am considering purchasing a northern Blue tongue skink and had a question. Thanks!

[Linnea]

UVB light is used to produce the vitamin D3, which in turn process eaten calcium so that it, for example, keeps the skeleton healthy.
same as for humans, when we are out in the sun, walking around, our skeleton is happy.

if you provide calcium with vitamin D3 as supplement, which is highly recommended, uvb light isnt needed, since the vitamin is already given to the skink for use. do note that D3 can be overdosed if supplemented, since it i fat storable
you can still choose to use an uvb lamp if you wish.

note that uvb light is filtered out very simple, so it cannot go through glass or mesh, and should be near the basking spot if used.

MBD, metabolic bone disease, comes from lack of calcium and the means to process it, D3, or either of it.

[Richard.C]

6 of one,half a dozen of the other,they do well either way,good diet and supplementation with calcium vitamin d3 is of way more benefit,even with the use of uv lighting

Never rely on uv lighting to cover for lack of that as the end results arent good

[kenn]

In my opinion MBD is prevented:
a) through a GOOD diet
b) right lighting
c) healthy body

But hey, that's how I see it in my vet-practise...

[Spindown]

I've never used UV but I do supplement with calcium with D3. Never had MBD in the almost 3 years I've had blueys.