Turtle paradise boarding for the welfare of turtles within the uk

Lovely big female river cooter dropped off by highfliers reptile couriers.. many thanks to the sender too..

⚠️ PLEASE STOP USING THESE BULBS ⚠️
Please share this post — these bulbs are becoming increasingly common, and many keepers simply don't realise there may be a risk.

We are seeing more and more of these small “UVA + UVB” reptile bulbs being sold online, often supplied with inexpensive clamp lamps.

If you are currently using one, we strongly recommend replacing it with a reputable, purpose-designed reptile lighting system.

These tiny reflector bulbs are often advertised as providing heat, UVA and UVB all from one bulb. Unfortunately, there are serious concerns surrounding some unshielded halogen lamps of this type.

Unlike properly manufactured halogen basking lamps, some have an exposed halogen capsule with no protective glass lens which can potentially emit unwanted short-wavelength UV, including dangerous UVB/UVC wavelengths, which would normally be filtered by protective glass.

Excessive or inappropriate ultraviolet exposure can cause serious problems including eye inflammation and damage, skin damage and abnormal shedding. There are published veterinary reports of reptiles becoming ill following exposure to unsuitable UV-producing lamps.

There is another problem too…

They produce a very small, concentrated basking area.

Reptiles should be provided with a suitable basking zone that allows them to warm a significant area of their body. A tiny, intense beam can create a concentrated hotspot rather than providing the broad, even basking area we want.

❌ Cheap isn't always safe.
❌ Don't assume something is suitable simply because it says “reptile” or “UVA + UVB” on the listing.

For species requiring UVB, we recommend using reputable reptile UVB lighting with a known and tested output, correctly positioned for the species and enclosure. Heating should also be provided using an appropriate reptile basking lamp with a suitable beam spread and controlled where necessary.

If you have one of these bulbs and you're unsure what to replace it with, please bring us a photo of your enclosure and the animal you're keeping. We're always happy to help.

Watch this video from our friends Responsible Reptile Keeping to further understand the issues.
https://youtu.be/YO55wn5YUBY?si=EDwankutX7lJNG8V

Had a great visit from Anna Armstrong all the way from bury st edmunds to meet me and see most of the turtles.. and cant wait to visit again.. all the best and safe trip back..

Because ive been putting pics up of turtles wtf

A very old female red ear slider .. blind in 1 eye found roaming and handed into a vets in wiltshire who have kindly dropped her off.. many thanks..

Had a lovely african sideneck dropped off locally.. many thanks

Hi everyone.. just a heads up.. if you decide you cant keep youre turtle/s due to one thing or another..and are thinking of handing over to turtle paradise.. we dont mind accepting the equipment as well..but not internal filters or tanks .. but any food stuffs would come in handy too... many thanks

All the way from sunny weymouth.. 1 x female musk. 1 x male ouachita map and 1 x male mississippi map.. thanks for dropping them off..

Just dropped off from a local owner.. all females.. 2 musks and 1 x ouachita map and 1 x mississippi map..thanks

Nice female cumberland approx 14yrs old dropped off by owner locally.. will be well cared for.. thanks