I agree that artificial light is no sub for natural sunlight. However, for a winter enclosure the UVB can't hurt for the few months they can't go outside for various reasons. For the very few months mine do have to stay indoors, I don't provide UVB to the adult russians and subadult redfoot. With seven or so months of natural sun when housed outside, plus a couple of days here and there in the winter months when weather permits, I dont think they need the uvb in their winter quarters. This is the first year the baby red and yellowfoot are being housed outdoors 24/7, but because of their ages they may still get uvb in their winter cage.

I also agree that catfood is unacceptable and never mentioned it was at any time in my posts. I do sporadically feed Mazuri tortoise chow. But mine mostly get mixed greens, veggies, and occassionally fruit. Plus whatever weeds and grasses they forage in their pens or edible flowers growing in my yard when available.

As far as mixing species, I admit I house a yellow and red foot together. However, these are two S.A. species and are captive hatched.

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