Re: Latest FAQs
Algae- My comment is more on the uv sterilizer. Fish people tell me that fish that are kept with uv sterilizers are more susceptible to infections when the bulb stops working or burns out. It makes sense that they wouldn’t develop immunities if they don’t have to. I believe the same could be applied to turtles. Many reptiles, including tortoises, may need to even eat the poop of their elders to develop good stomach flora and fauna. (Call this The Poop of Their Elders Strand?) Native Texans- I looked years ago without finding them. I have a friend who lives on the coast that finds them regularly. When the state of Texas looked into what species needed protecting, they found dbts to be abundant in many places. I understand that the places you find them are not easily accessible – not from piers or road access – but a ways by boat. Melanin- I keep all kinds of turtles inside and out. My experience is that turtles (and other herps and humans) develop melanin as a response to sunlight. Turtles kept indoors tend to be lighter colored and paler. Outdoors will also bring out yellows, oranges, and reds. You should see my albino redears (wear your sunglasses) and pastel redears (screamers!). The sun brought out orange in the knobs on my 2 male ornate dbts, but the one with white skin that I’m afraid to stick outside keeps paler knobs. One day I may stick him outdoors and blow all your socks off!!! But ashy white? Must be the salt deposits! 🙂 -Rick Stephen and Wylee Chew wrote: