Quick supplement question. (Fluker's)

[LaughingCat]

I recently was at the pet store and saw Fluker's Calcium Supplement with D3 and I read the back of the jar that it said at the bottom "Use daily" or "Daily use" (something of that sort) And I know you aren't supposed to use it daily (to my knowledge). Can anyone shed some light on whether or not I should follow the instructions or not? My lil' Booda is still small, so he is still growing. I am giving him ground cuttlebone ATM as a Calcium source, but I was just curious about the Fluker's. Thanks!

 

[g schrock]

dont do the D3 every day, do it 2x a month along with a multivitamin, find a calcium w/o D3 (they're out there) online is usually the best place, and use that as your daily duster. (sometimes you have to up the multivitamin to once a week, depending on how young the guy is)

 

[Olimpia]

No, you shouldn't follow their instructions. That may be fine for other reptiles but certainly not for chameleons.

The reason (just so it makes sense why) is thus: the body needs vitamin D3 to properly absorb calcium into the system; Too little and calcium can't be properly absorbed, but the same is true if there is too much. Since chameleons can make their own natural D3 in the skin under the UVB bulb, we just need to add in a little via the diet to fill in any gaps. But it's easy to overdose on D3, which will lead to the calcification of the soft tissues along with lots of motor-function issues.

So, while there are very mild doses of D3 (certain brands have a lot less of the vitamin) that can be used weekly or a little more often, most have too much and twice monthly is enough to fill in any gaps but not cause any problems. Having a working UVB bulbs (and occassional sunshine time outside) is definitely vital, and any vitamin D3 he gets should be just supplemental. The daily plain calcium is also vital.

 

[LaughingCat]

thank you so much for clearing that up for me. is cuttlebone a good source of daily calcium for him? I've been hearing mixed things about that.