Natural sunshine

[Bernie]

Recently in the UK we have been experiencing some nice warm sunny days. The forecast looks good for this weekend too so I plan to get my Cham's out in it to take advantage.

I live in an apartment so I dont have a garden and the weather over here is usually pretty poor (even in summer) so I havent yet managed to get my Cham's out in the sun. They are both male aged 2.5 and 3.5 months.

I currently give them both D3 twice a month.

I will probably only expose them once this weekend. I would expect the outside temps to be around 18-20 degrees.

My questions are -
1) How much sunlight will they need to get a nice healthy dose of UV? 30mins? 1hour? 2hours?
2) How would that affect my D3 scheduling?
3) How would the above differ if the temps were to rise to around 25degrees?
4) How sensitive are the Cham's to receiving their UV? For example if its cloudy with sunny intervals, will they still reap the benefits?

Thanks.

 

[jannb]

I would keep them out as long as you have the time for. Any amout of natural UV is excellent for them. You do not need to keep them in the direct sun. They can get plent of UV even in the shade outside and you don't want to over heat your babies. I take my guys out quite often but still lightly dust a few of their feeders twice a month. I have a UV meter. If you can afford one, it's a wonderful gadget to have.

 

[Carlton]

My questions are -
1) How much sunlight will they need to get a nice healthy dose of UV? 30mins? 1hour? 2hours?
2) How would that affect my D3 scheduling?
3) How would the above differ if the temps were to rise to around 25degrees?
4) How sensitive are the Cham's to receiving their UV? For example if its cloudy with sunny intervals, will they still reap the benefits?

Thanks.

If you are only getting them out very sporadically like this I don't think you need to change your D3 schedule. If they are getting outdoors every week maybe.
The change in temp may not have much effect on the dose of UV. For example, on a sunny summer day in cooler higher lattitudes you can still get sunburned because of your geographic location, not the air temp. If the cham gets too hot it will go to the shade anyway.

 

[Bernie]

Thanks for the responses here guys

 

[jannb]

IMO Some natural UV is one of the best things you can do for your chameleon.

 

[Bernie]

Due to living in an apartment I think I will take my Cham's to a family members to enjoy her big garden. It's a 15 minute car journey.

This shouldn't be too stressful should it?