Posted by:
aliceinwl
at Tue Feb 1 22:06:10 2005 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by aliceinwl ]
Sounds like your guy is doing well. All the Scelops I've had have really enjoyed their daily misting.
The supplementation is important because feeders (crickets etc) are typically low in calcium. Overtime to compensate for this deficiency the lizard will start using calcium from its bones. This will cause the bones to become brittle and weak. It usually first manifests itself as weakness in the jaws. Rather than getting crunched the crickets will just slip out. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is progressive and will eventually lead to skeletal deformities and death. If caught, it can be reversed but any resulting deformities are permanent. It's easy to prevent by getting the appropriate supplement.
To properly metabolize calcium reptiles need a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phospherus. Feeders typically have plenty of phospherus, but little calcium so you want to pick out a supplement that is phospherus free (I use Rep-cal). Supplements containing phospherus are meant for herbivores. These will not correct the imbalance and it's possible for an insect eating lizard to develop MBD in spite of supplementation if they are used.
Lack of proper lighting can also lead to MBD. Along with the correct calcium to phospherus ratio. Most diurnal insetivorous lizards need vitamin D3 (the sunshine vitamin)to metabolize calcium. This vitamin is synthesized by the lizard's body when it is exposed to UV light. There are a variety of flourescents on the market for this purpose.
You can also get multi vitamins. If you gutload, I think that these are not necessary. Gut loading consists of feeding the feeders before you feed them to your lizard. Half your lizard's nutrition comes from the stomach content of its feeders. For crickets, crushed high quality dog or cat food or fish flakes work well with a slice or orange, carrot or other fresh fruit or veggie for moisture. Let the crickets gorge for at least a few hours before offering them to your lizard.
Hope this helps,
Alice
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