Question on calcium.

stretch · 08-16-03, 11:31 PM

I was wondering what is the best calcium supplement? I was thinking of purchasing Bone aid by T-rex. Has anyone tried this product for their Leo's before? Aslo those coconut hides are they big enough to accomodate a full sized Leo. Thanks in advance.

CDN-Cresties · 08-16-03, 11:36 PM

I use REP-CAL, i have had no problems with it so far, it suppost to be the # 1 calcium supplement for reptiles worldwide.

-Steve-

Wuntu Menny · 08-16-03, 11:46 PM

I use RepCal supplements as well as MinerAll. I also use coconut shell hides for many animals and they are big enough for most adult leopards.

WM

Big AL · 08-17-03, 01:26 AM

I also use Rep-Cal calcium and also their vitamin powder.

LISA127 · 08-17-03, 08:14 AM

I use Rep-Cal as well

stretch · 08-17-03, 01:17 PM

Where do you get that rep-cal stuff from. I usually buy from big apple but I don't think they carry that brand. You don't think that bone-aid by t-rex is any good?

stretch · 08-17-03, 01:35 PM

You know what I just noticed that I already have rep-cal calcium. It has vit d3 in it though and it phosphorous free. I heard vit d3 is bad for leo's. I can't find one without the d3 in it.

Tim and Julie B · 08-17-03, 02:13 PM

Vitamin D3 is essential to all reptiles who are nocturnal. Usually D3 is found in those reptile day time bulbs, but for nocturnal species they require it from the foods they eat. The reason D3 is so important is because it helps to absord calcium. Without D3 your leos won't be able to properly digest the calcium on their food. So, it's very important that they have it

I use a variety of supplements, to make sure that my reptiles get the best variety. Though I just started using Rep-Cal exclusively due to the fact that everyone seems very satisfied with the results. I must say my babies are growing much faster now, and seem to be far more interested in food. My only complaint is that the calcium doesn't adhere to insects as well as other brands do.

Julie B.

stretch · 08-17-03, 02:31 PM

Why is everyone saying that the vit d3 is bad. I get mixed opinions on this subject. I leave the rep-cal calcium in a milk carton top inside the cage. I always see them lapping it up. I dust their food with herptivite multi-vitamin supplement. They've been growing fast and have huge fat tails. They're only around 3-4 months. Well I guess I'll stick to the rep-cal with the d3 in it. I do notice that it doesn't stick to the insects that well.

eyespy · 08-17-03, 02:37 PM

Too much vitamin D can cause liver toxicity, but the premixed supplements like Repcal don't have enough that you have to worry, unless it's a very vulnerable species like a green iguana that isn't used to dietary sources of vitamin D. Leos seem to do very well with the D3 formula.

Big AL · 08-17-03, 03:20 PM

T-Rex 2:1 Cal/Phos Reptile Supplement
Unfortunately, they apparently didn't bother to read a nutrition book before making this formula. Herbivores get plenty of phosphorous from the plants they eat - they certainly don't need any more! If you want to buy a T-Rex calcium product, buy their carnivore/omnivore formula which has no phosphorous (T-Rex 2:0 Calcium/No Phosphorus). Then again, do you want to patronize a company that doesn't get it?

T-Rex Bone Aid
"...is an intensive liquid calcium supplement that has been developed for reptiles and may be used for both critical and routine use to avoid calcium deficiency. It has been designed as the most digestible and palatable (cricket flavored) source of concentrated liquid calcium and magnesium available." Needless to say, your herbivorous reptiles don't need a "cricket flavored" supplement. The only dosing information they give is for an anole and there isn't an indication as to what type of calcium this is. If you need an oral liquid calcium, you will probably be better off buying NeoCalglucon from your pharmacy.

stretch · 08-17-03, 03:52 PM

The t-rex bone aid says its a powder. The info you gave though saved me from buying it. I already had the rep-cal stuff and I didn't even know it. I'm just gonna stick with that, since everyone is saying it's so good.

Alicewave · 08-18-03, 06:37 AM

There have been past cases of Leos overdosing on D3 but I'm pretty sure that only happens with the liquid calcium supplements and it's very rare. I like repcal a lot because it doesn't have much of a smell. Some other brands have a very strong odor that a couple of my Leo have turned their nose up at.