Little turtle likes to bask in the sun. Sunbathing is a way for the little turtle to keep fit, because sunlight can kill bacteria and mold on its turtle's back, just like taking medicine to prevent a cold. It's best to get an hour or two of sunshine every day. Turtles belong to reptiles, and like lizards and snakes, they must often bask in the sun to reduce illness. If you stay out of the sun for a long time, you may be short of calcium.