Vitamin D3 and Some Questions about Supplements

[Kaiser]

I just had a concern about vitamin D3 and what I've been feeding my bearded dragon, Kaiser, lately. I feed him black soldier fly larvae (specifically Reptiworms) as a staple, and I know that, alone, they have a relatively ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorous, so dusting with calcium is not required. However, my concern is about vitamin D3, as I use a Reptisun 10.0 UVB tube bulb, and I have heard that I need to supplement with vitamin D3. I have always used calcium powder with D3 when dusting crickets, but with Reptiworms, I wonder if it's alright for me to continue using calcium powder for the D3 at least. I know Reptiworms don't need to be dusted with calcium, but is this because they're just sufficient on their own, or is it because it becomes harmful if you have too much calcium? So I was just wondering if a little calcium powder with D3 would be okay? And if so, how often?

And if that's not okay, does anyone have any recommendations of a Vitamin D3 supplement for reptiles?

Additionally, I just recently received a bottle of Reptaid and was wondering if it was okay to use on my bearded dragon as a preventative to parasites (as well as a appetite stimulant), and not for an actual treatment. And if so, is there a different procedure as opposed to the suggested once a day for ten days, two days break, and then continue as needed? Also, is it okay to use Reptaid in association with Benebac? And has anyone tried injecting Reptain into black soldier fly larvae? Since I don't think I'll be able to get Kaiser to drink it voluntarily, ha ha.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Kaiser]

Well, I found the answers to the Reptaid questions, but I'm still looking for some ideas about the vitamin D3. I've been looking for a supplement for reptiles that's just vitamin D3, but whenever I find something, it always seems to have something else in it (such as other vitamins and minerals, particularly more calcium...). Thanks if anyone has any ideas about whether or not it's okay to dust Reptiworms with calcium with D3, or any suggestions as to a vitamin D3 supplement.

 

[HOSTIL1]

I was just about to ask this very same question about the D3. My boy Apophis eats about 100 medium reptiworms with salad every morning and then for lunch I've been giving him about 100 crickets dusted with calcium +D3.

I noticed today his urates were a little on the firm side and I got a little concerned.

Bump for some answers please.

 

[ziggy23]

I don't know the answer to the d3 question, but

that can be caused by not enough water.

 

[HOSTIL1]

Yeah I did read that,,, but he always has just a little bit of clear liquid with his poo and I read that's a sign of a well hydrated dragon. :?:

 

[AHBD]

I would say you can still use calcium powder with D3,remember that greens are loaded with calcium, too but you would still use the powder. Just use it more sparingly, hydrate well,and be sure that your lighting provides good UVB. Either that or if you can get the dragons in the sun, that's even better. But I would go with crickets at least for half of their staple diet. Those worms may be nutritious, but they haven't been around as long as crix as feeders.

 

[Kaiser]

I would say you can still use calcium powder with D3,remember that greens are loaded with calcium, too but you would still use the powder. Just use it more sparingly, hydrate well,and be sure that your lighting provides good UVB. Either that or if you can get the dragons in the sun, that's even better. But I would go with crickets at least for half of their staple diet. Those worms may be nutritious, but they haven't been around as long as crix as feeders.

Thanks for the input. I was actually thinking about that as well, about the greens that is. And yeah, I understand about the whole crickets and black soldier fly larvae thing, and I'm planning on introducing more variety into my bearded dragon's diet, not only for the nutrition and peace of mind, but also because I think he definitely enjoys the challenge of hunting the crickets, ha ha. Anyway, thank you.

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Yes I would not dust the worms however I would still dust the salads.

 

[Kaiser]

Yes I would not dust the worms however I would still dust the salads.

I guess this makes me wonder what's the difference between the two? If I dust the worms and don't dust the salad... Does that make much difference between dusting the salad and not the worms? Assuming he eats the same amount of calcium dusting, does it really matter which one I dust?

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Are you feeding the worms everyday? If so then I would dust the salads every other day. Again it all depends how many worms he eats. Also I would not dust the worms due to the fact of them being so high in calcium already. If you dust the worms it is just excess not needed.

 

[Kaiser]

Are you feeding the worms everyday? If so then I would dust the salads every other day. Again it all depends how many worms he eats. Also I would not dust the worms due to the fact of them being so high in calcium already. If you dust the worms it is just excess not needed.

I'm feeding the worms and salads daily. He eats quite a lot of the worms. And yes, I do understand that the worms are high in calcium, and that it would be an excess. Thank you for your input.

I guess the next question I would need answered would be how I would get the proper amount of vitamin D3 supplemented in his diet.