FAQ: Health for reptiles

Many insect- and plant-eating reptiles are given calcium supplements because food alone often does not provide enough. Whether and how often they are needed depends on the species, diet and UVB lighting, so ask a vet who treats reptiles.

Shops set their own prices and discounts, and the same supplement or product may be sold in different pack sizes. zoogidas.lt compares the prices of Lithuanian online shops, and you buy on the shop's own website.

Calcium with D3 is meant for reptiles that get little UVB, because D3 helps absorb calcium. Plain calcium is more often chosen when the enclosure has a suitable UVB lamp, since too much D3 is also harmful. Discuss which to use and how to combine them with a vet.

Insects are usually placed in a bag or tub with a little powder, shaken gently and fed to the reptile straight away, before the powder falls off. How often to do it is given on the supplement label and by your vet.

It depends on the species, age, diet and UVB lighting: growing juveniles and egg-laying females usually need them more often than adults. Follow the supplement label and your vet's advice, because both too little and too much are harmful.

Yes, an excess is harmful too: too much D3 or calcium can strain the kidneys and cause tissue calcification. That is why supplements should not be given ‘by eye’ or several D3-containing products used at once without a vet's advice.

The ratio shows whether the food contains more calcium than phosphorus. Many feeder insects and some vegetables contain more phosphorus, which hinders calcium absorption – this is exactly why insects are dusted with calcium and the diet is discussed with a vet.

For most reptiles phosphorus-free calcium powder is chosen, since the food usually provides enough phosphorus. Supplements with phosphorus are meant for specific diets, so read the label and ask a vet before buying them.

Some keepers leave a small dish of plain calcium without D3 so the lizard can lick it as needed. Calcium with D3 or multivitamins is not left out like this, because the animal may eat too much; ask a vet whether it suits your species.

Multivitamins add vitamins and trace elements that may be lacking in a captive reptile's diet, especially when the variety of insects is small. They do not replace calcium or UVB lighting, and how often to use them is stated on the label.

Many keepers alternate them on different days, as this makes an excess easier to avoid. Some products already combine both, so read the ingredients and follow the label or a plan made with your vet.

Beta-carotene is a precursor that many plant-eating reptiles convert into vitamin A themselves, while preformed vitamin A builds up in the body and is harmful in excess. Some insect-eating geckos need preformed vitamin A specifically, so it is worth discussing the ingredients with a vet.

Snakes fed healthy whole prey animals usually get the nutrients they need from their food, so supplements are generally not necessary. If a snake is fed differently or is losing condition, a vet will assess whether supplements are needed.

Calcium is important for a tortoise's shell and bones, so calcium is often sprinkled on greens or a cuttlebone is offered. A UVB lamp and a varied diet of weeds and greens are also essential; check the supplement frequency with a vet.

Cuttlebone is a natural source of calcium: the turtle nibbles it as needed, which also helps wear down the beak. The hard backing is removed before offering it, and the cuttlebone is replaced once it softens or crumbles.

Keep them tightly closed in a dry, dark and cool place, because moisture causes clumping and light and heat break down vitamins. Do not keep the tub next to the enclosure's heating or in a damp spot.

After the expiry date the vitamin content may be much lower, so the supplement will not work as it should. Use an opened pack within the time stated on the label and choose the pack size by how much you actually use.

For one small animal a small pack often lasts a long time, while a large one may not be used up before it expires. A bigger pack pays off when you keep several reptiles; then compare the price per kilogram.

Powders are handy for dusting insects and greens, while liquid supplements are more often added to water or food. Vitamins break down quickly in water and it is hard to know how much the animal drank, so choose the form by species and your vet's advice.

No, human vitamins are made for different needs and may contain too much D3, vitamin A or other substances for a small reptile. Use supplements made for reptiles and follow their label.