Posted by:
kinyonga
at Wed Apr 15 15:24:57 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by kinyonga ]
Supplements...I dust with a phosphorous-free calcium powder at most feedings to make up for the sometimes poor ratio of calcium to phosphorous.
I dust twice a month with a vitamin powder that contains a beta carotene source of vitamin A. Beta carotene won't lead to an overdose like preformed vitamin A will. Excess preformed may prevent the D3 from doing its job and push the dragon towards MBD.
I dust twice a month with a phos.-free calcium/D3 powder as well. D3 from supplements can build up in the system so don't overdo it. Exposure to UVB from either direct sunlight of a UVB light will provide most of the D3 the dragon needs and shouldn't lead to an overdose as long as the dragon has the option of moving out of it. UVB from either source should not pass through glass or plastic. Here's a good site with information about light. Some compacts and tubes have been found to cause problems but the Repti-sun 5.0 long tube is still okay. http://www.uvguide.co.uk/
Calcium, phos., D3 and vitamin A are all players in bone health and need to be in balance. When trying to balance them its important to look at the supplements, what you feed to the dragon and what you feed to the insects.
Gutloading and feeding your insects well is also important. I gutload crickets with an assortment of greens (dandelion, kale, endive, collards, escarole, mustard greens) and veggies (carrot, squash, zucchini, sweet potato, sweet red pepper, etc.) I feed the same things to the dragons along with a bit of fruit (apple, pear, melon, berries, etc.)
Appropriate tempaeratures also play a part since they aid in digestion.
Good luck with your dragon!
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