Need some guidance.

[Reesy]

Hey Ya'll, I just had a petshop owner tell me that if my beardies calcium has vitamin D3 in it, I don't need to use a UVB bulb. That 30 mins of direct sunlight will be sufficient. Can anybody confirm/deny this?

[maverickgtr]

I don't think so... As an emergency measure I would say yes that would be fine, like if the UVB bulb went out and you couldn't get one for a few days, but otherwise I'd stick to a bulb and calcium with D3. They need the UVB to absorb the calcium and produce their own D3. Daily sunlight is still always good, but to make sure they're in good health, they'll need a good UVB light they can be under all day from what I understand. Plus, with as cold as it's getting outside lately [here at least it's been unusually warm but still cool especially for a beardie], a desert reptile isn't going to like being outside for any amount of time.

The more experienced beardie keepers/breeders can probably elaborate better than I can.

I use Rep-Cal Phosphorous-free Calcium with D3 and a UVB bulb, a day light basking bulb and an infrared heat bulb.

[Jerbear4592]

I don't think so... As an emergency measure I would say yes that would be fine, like if the UVB bulb went out and you couldn't get one for a few days, but otherwise I'd stick to a bulb and calcium with D3. They need the UVB to absorb the calcium and produce their own D3. Daily sunlight is still always good, but to make sure they're in good health, they'll need a good UVB light they can be under all day from what I understand. Plus, with as cold as it's getting outside lately [here at least it's been unusually warm but still cool especially for a beardie], a desert reptile isn't going to like being outside for any amount of time.

The more experienced beardie keepers/breeders can probably elaborate better than I can.

I use Rep-Cal Phosphorous-free Calcium with D3 and a UVB bulb, a day light basking bulb and an infrared heat bulb.

I agree with this statement because if the bearded isnt getting enough UV light and heat then all that calcium, vitamin d3, and food will clog up and wont go through his digestive system and would cause some major issues

[Definitions]

you got it the uvb light helps him absorb the calcium.