Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hope I got some attention with the "Topic". I have not done this, but wondered if it would work.

Calcium carbonate antacids such as Tums and the generic equivalent are almost completely calcium carbonate with some sugars. Is it safe or even worthwhile to use them as mealworm gutload? My thinking is that the tablets ground up and included in the mealworm food/bedding would be an excellent and cheap way to increase the calcium content of feeders.

Again, I have not done this, but wanted to see some of your ideas and views on this.

Matt

In addition to the antacids. What about crushed non toxic chalk or (I'm in FL) crushed limestone?

Matt

I'm not up on the exact formulations of different supplements, but the Tums would be fine for calcium. I wouldn't call it a 'gutload', because you'll need to provide food for the mealies, but the tums could add some calcium to their diet. I believe people have been using Tums for a while with reptiles.

I just dust some Minerall I in with the mealworms and crickets every now and then and when I create their 'diet'.
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Rob Jenkins
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I just found this about Tums and other vit/minerals

www.anapsid.org/vitamin.html
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Rob Jenkins
Have you seen the GeckoCam?
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Rob Jenkins
Have you seen the GeckoCam?
Buy Geckos Here
Email Me