[kirak]

Hi all,

I have a couple of reptile/gecko keeping books and have also searched internet, but couldn't find a proper answer for some vitamin/mineral relating questions with regards of nocturnal geckos like spp. of Gekko, Teratoscincus, Eublepharis etc. Some sources are additionally controversial about the D3.

Which ingredients to use in a standard insect dusting mix of 1 part general multivitamin/mineral per 2-3 parts calcium:

1. Calcium + Phosphorus 2:1, Calcium+D3 (phosphorus free) or pure Calcium (D3 and phosphorous free)?

2. Are the premixed multivitamin & mineral products (like Reptivite) are OK, or it's safer to use mineral-only product and add multivitamins separately?

3. Is the D3 oil (solar drops) preferred over the products where D3 is premixed with calcium or multivitamins? Is the amount of D3 from e.g. Reptivite is enough or this additionally should be supplemented at some intervals (I know the excess of this may kill an animal)??

4. Could please expert keepers share the formulas and schedule they use successfully for these gecko genera?

There are tens of various products available today and it's really hard to pick a correct combination against general metabolic and hypovitaminosis threats in captivity. It would be of great interest (I guess not only for me) to hear comments and recommendations on this from long-term keepers of nocturnal & insectivorous geckos.

Many thanks.

[cliff_f]

What I use and swear by is the Repcal calcium (the one in the pink label) and the Repcal herptavites. I do 2 part calcium mixed to 1 part herptavites. I dust my crickets every feeding. Been doing it this way for years and it works really good for me.

[BlakeDeffenbaugh]

I use the same stuff as Cliff but I do a 3/1 calcium to vitamin mix. I had a few problems before I went to that ratio and now I havnt seen any problems.

[Melissa]

Hello,
What has worked for me with various small reptiles and amphibians,
is using the ReptiCal & ReptiVit for dusting the insects, and for the
Leopard Geckos, I provide calcium no phosphorus available in a small
container in their enclusures at all times.
I also feed the insects before feeding to the lizards and small frogs.
It can all be confusing, for sure, especially in regard to the D3. I wouldn't
stress yourself too much, and as long as you aren't overdoing it, there
shouldn't be a problem.
Best wishes.

Melissa

[springtech]

Ahh so you give D3 every feeding? I thought that would be bad?
I've also been very curious to see some studies on this.
Great thread,
Thanks