Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Do your leos seem to prefer one brand over another when it comes to calcium supplements?

Up till now, I've been using Reptocal and Jurrassi-Cal. I just got some Rep-Cal, but after opening up the container, I'm not sure if I like it. It's not white and it doesn't smell like calcium.
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)

i use rep-cal and my leo likes it. i didn't know that calcium was supposed to be a certain color... i guess it's gray because of the D3 that's in it. I've heard a lot of good things about Rep-Cal, which is why I purchased it. Should I switch later?

[aimEe]
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0.1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko (Marlene)
0.0.2 Fire Bellied Toads (Norman & Forman)
0.2.0 African Dwarf Frogs (Hobo & Bobo)
1.0.0 Fighting Fish (Blue Balls)
0.0.2 Hermit Crabs (Kerby & Furby)
1.0.0 Black Lab / Pit Bull (Mikey)
aimee.i8.com

I think it's grayish because it's made from oyster shells. But yeah, I always assumed calcium was white. I'm still trying to figure out what brand I'm going to use, so I can't tell you if you should change or not.
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)

It's what I have used for over 10 years for Geckos, Beardeds and Chameleons. It has been very good for me and my herps.
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Sam
Gecko Den
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np
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)

Hi Xelda,
My herps don't seem to care at all. Most supplements are calcium carbonate, which apparently isn't the most easily absorbed form. It is FINE for supplementing, and I don't mean to imply it isn't.

I've just switched to tri-cal though, because I've had a problem with my babies and calcium deficiency this year. I'm sure you know this, but I'll add it for anyone out there that doesn't:

Dust your mealworms and crickets for hatchlings and juveniles!!
Dust your mealworms and crickets for hatchlings and juveniles!!
Dust your mealworms and crickets for hatchlings and juveniles!!

This is my new mantra. Once leos are a few months old they take calcium out of a dish like adults. Some (not all) babies DO NOT.

I learned this the hard way. I"m still giving liquid calcium supplements to several of my youngsters because I didn't know better. And I thought I was such a pro! Sheesh.
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Andrea A.

Thanks for the tips, Andrea! I've heard enough stories on these boards, so I've been dusting for my babies at every feeding just to be on the safe side. They grow so quickly!

I've been trying to improve my gutload recipe by adding more varieties of grains and trying to see which ones will combine to make complete proteins. I feel like a vegetarian, except I would never feed myself this healthy.
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chickabowwow

3.2.3 leopard geckos (Rosie, Locke, Lisa, Caesar, Tommy)

Let me know what you finally come up with. I've used mainly wheat germ with Malt-O-Meal or Cream of Wheat and whole grain oats (ground), with brewer's yeast and spirilina added. Frankly I think its overkill, but whatever can be done to help beef up immune systems & overall health has to be a good thing!

Do you know if they can digest wheat bran? I've bought mealworms with that as substrate and have wondered.

Funny how it is easier and more fun to figure out pet nutrition than it is to pay attention to how we eat.
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Andrea A.