when to use d-3

[spikeymom]

When should or shouldn't I use calcium with d-3? Does it depend only on the type of light I am using?

Thanks!

 

[Gail]

yes it depends on the light. If you use a florescent then you need D3, if you use a MVB then you don't need it.

 

[FBradshaw]

Do not use D3 supplementation unless you know for a fact that your dragon has a D3 deficiency. The main purpose of UVB lighting, natural, fluorescent, or MVB, is so that your dragon creates it's own D3 on demand as needed. Overdosing on D3 can cause hypercalcemia which can be fatal or cause other serious internal injuries. I would only use a D3 supplement if told to do so by a licensed vet who has done blood work on your dragon and only then the specified dosage for the length of time told to. In most cases D3 poisoning can be far worse than a deficiency.

EDIT:

Here's an actual quote from a medical journal I have in the house, granted it's talking about people but the most of the same risks should apply to beardies as well....

"Vitamin D toxicity can cause non-specific symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss, polyuria, and heart arrhythmias. More seriously, it can also raise blood levels of calcium which leads to vascular and tissue calcification, with subsequent damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys."

 

[spikeymom]

thank you! I want to make sure I am doing what is best for my beardies.

 

[michigan101]

yes it depends on the light. If you use a florescent then you need D3, if you use a MVB then you don't need it.

oh crap! I just got a Trex MVB a few weeks ago. Guess I should stop with the D3. Should i just use a plain calcium instead? No D3

 

[lauraj1055]

yes it depends on the light. If you use a florescent then you need D3, if you use a MVB then you don't need it.

oh crap! I just got a Trex MVB a few weeks ago. Guess I should stop with the D3. Should i just use a plain calcium instead? No D3

Correct! I use the TREX for the babies and calcium without D3 with the MVB

 

[michigan101]

yes it depends on the light. If you use a florescent then you need D3, if you use a MVB then you don't need it.

oh crap! I just got a Trex MVB a few weeks ago. Guess I should stop with the D3. Should i just use a plain calcium instead? No D3

Correct! I use the TREX for the babies and calcium without D3 with the MVB

Where do you get the calcium from?

 

[lauraj1055]

Where do you get the calcium from?

Here you go:
http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=119

This one is very good too:
http://www.beardeddragon.co/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=18&product_id=64