Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I just noticed that my bottle of calcium powder is expired by 3 months. The question is...it still looks and smells like normal, and I've read somewhere that calcium is a mineral, so it doesn't have an expirary date. My bottle is still three quarters full, and I don't really want to waste it.
Another qns...I've also read that some ppl crush human multivitamin tablets to powder to coat insects. Is this ok? Or do I have to buy specialised reptile multivitamin powders?
Thanks.

You are right. the calcium is finely ground white limestone rock and has no "expiration" date. But I wouldn't crush human vitamins and use them as reptile supplements.
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com

My 3 CWD-Avanyu, Tripod and Drago

Then why does my bottle of calcium powder have an expiration date? Ah..just read that label. mine is made from crushed oyster shell. Does that make a difference then?
Another question...can I give ExoTerra's Electrodize orally? The labelling is confusing as it's supposed to be a supplement, but the dosage is 2 drops per 30 ml, so am I to dilute it or can I just drop it directly into the mouth?
Thanks.

Calcium carbonate is a inorganic chemical produced from the a reaction between the metal calcium and carbon dioxide. The most comon form is limestone. Oyster's also create calcium carbonate to make their shells. There is no particular "potency" factor and the expiration date is meaningless (unless you can get a lot of people to replace their 2/3 full bottles with "fresh" bottles) One reason I can think of for the expiration date may be that the companies involved are ISO-certified. ISO-certified products must carry an expiration date from the manufacturer. I can't answer your question about the electrolyte, except to caution you about upsetting the electrolyte balance of your reptile. Under normal circumstances a reptiles electrolytes are balanced by a normal diet,adequate hydration and normal climate control. This balance can be upset by vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. In these cases, from what you mentioned, you should dilute according to the label and rehydrate your reptile with the solution. Potassium levels are particularly critical. Too little can cause heart arrythmia and death while too high is also fatal. Sounds like you have all of your bases covered and are taking superb care of your herp. I have found with my three that gut-loading their food and keeping their UVB lighting replaced has yielded great results (at least so far-LOL) I do give my females liquid calcium during the breeding season to help with egg production/formation. Good luck with yours!
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com

My 3 CWD-Avanyu, Tripod and Drago

I think the dosage means 2drops in 30mls of pool water. Hmm..not sure though. Thanks anyway for the advice.