Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently purchased RepCal's Herptivite and Calcium with D3 supplements. Will my BP benefit from me giving him the Calcium/D3 supplement since from my understanding D3 is produced from sunlight (but BP's are nocturnal) ? Should I give him both or just the Herptivite multivitamin?

BP's should easily get all the calcium they need from the skeletons of their prey. I've never seen any need to add additional calcium.

VOT

I wouldn't worry about vitamin supplementation. This is something that sounds good but is not necessary. Snakes eat other animals that contain all they need. There are better things to put your money and effort into when it comes to taking care of your snake.

http://www.angelfire.com/al/repticare/page21.html

Dietary vitamin and mineral supplementation is not necessary in snakes that eat a diet of small mammals. This is a result of the fact that all of the vitamins and minerals are in the prey animal to include calcium which is absorbed from the bones of the prey item. The majority of vitamin and mineral related problems seem by veterinarians are related to the fact that the animal was provided with OVER-SUPPLEMENTATION. Since most supplements come in one of three forms: powder, liquid and spray, it is hard to judge the amount of each vitamin or mineral contained in each dose of either form. The one type of supplement that has no effect at all is the spray. No snake is physically capable of absorbing vitamins or minerals through its skin. If this were the case they would also be able to absorb water as well and would not have the need to drink. Their scales and skin are designed to keep things out not to let them in.

Thanks for the reply and link. I know and agree that it is not *necessary* but you can relate it to the reasoning as to why humans take vitamins. We can go through life perfectly fine without them, but *in moderation* they are taken to promote good health, help boost the immune system, help metabolism, etc. As far as Herptivite, I have heard good things from people with a lifetime in the hobby. I just wasnt sure about the Calcium/D3. Please dont take this post in a bad way, I've just havent heard any negative things said about Repcal's vitamin supplements so I want to clarify things for myself. I do appreciate your advice. Take care

Herptivite is a very good product. I used to use it exclusively when I used to keep lizards. I've never seen any reason to use it on any of my snakes.

VOT

WIth humans, alot of us don't eat properly balanced diets so taking multivitamins is a way to ensure we don't miss essential vitamins. However by eating healthy, there really isn't any need.

As to Ball Pythons, though I don't know alot about these snakes it would seem to be better to feed their prey food well, ensuring they are getting well balanced diets, would be the best way to ensure your BP is getting all the nutrients it needs.

.

I agree that it is possible to overdose on vitamins... I HAVE! Just try taking 2 prenatal vitamins a couple hours apart and see how you feel! Besides D3 supplementation shouldn't be necessary in nocturnal animals. My leos are nocturnal too and I have never supplemented their D3 though they have calcium dishes.

I think the best way to make sure your snake is getting what he needs is to make sure that the prey you are supplying to him appears healthy and was well cared for. That's why I breed my own prey.
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All my Children: 0.2 female humans (1 is 10 and the other is a 6 month old hatchling), 1 Saint Bernard, 2 maine coons, 15 leopard geckos, 1 pacman frog, 1 oscar, 1 jack dempsey, 1.1 ball pythons, and "Lilith" the black meowing kitty

with VOT
Greg
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