I have these vitamins, Mult Vitamin Exo Terra, says they are for reptiles and amphibians. Are they good for tortoises and if so, how much do I use?Tortoise Vitamins
- Thread starter Cheryl Hills
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I have these vitamins, Mult Vitamin Exo Terra, says they are for reptiles and amphibians. Are they good for tortoises and if so, how much do I use?
That’s a tough question. I’m of the opinion that often times they print what they want to drive sells up. Sort of like “Lean-Cuisine” suggests that they are all a body needs in life, while we all know different. Y’all can’t really regulate how much yer critters would be eating.
Anyone else know?
In my view, I wouldn't use them. All you need is a tiny pinch of calcium powder sprinkled sparsely on food 2-3 days a week. Nothing else.
I believe the previous owner of Shorty was giving these to him. I have only used calcium with vit d3 for mine.
I wouldn't even have the added D3. Like you, a tortoise makes its own on exposure to UVB light. There is no need for anything but calcium
I will have to get the calcium without then. Thanks
I just picked up a bag of limestone flour. It’s readily available at most farm stores. About a 20 lb. sack. And it’s organic to boot.
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I think about this a great deal, even obsessed on the topic.
I proportion the things I use based on the salad made, no so much the salad eaten. The amount consumed from one day to the next varies a great deal. Have you noticed that most food value labels are based on what's in the food, not how much you eat of the food? So I proportion things based on the total volume of salad made.
I use plain calcium carbonate at least once a week. I use 1/4 cup for 12 heads of greens. I notice this works well for all species with the exception of Testudo, which seem to require more.
I use a cup of layer crumbles mixed in 2 or 3 times a week. Layer crumbles are the whole ration that layer hens get, so 'diluted' with greens it is less concentrated, it provides a more calcium and D3.
I use a 1/2 cup of Vionate 2 or 3 times a week. This is a complex multi mineral vitamin mix with calcium and D3. Recommended amount for mammals is much higher than this amount.
One day a week I do not put any nutrient 'spike' in the diet. Just plain chopped greens with other foods. I use Alfalfa often, nearly every other day, it has D3 in it. I use Hibiscus flowers nearly every other day. I also rotate through several other dried loose leaf plants to encourage acceptance of variety. It also uses up some the moisture that does not shake off of washed greens. This includes Moringa, dandelion, plantain, raspberry, mulberry, and others.
The reason I don't blend all of these together and add them daily as a blend is then it is the same thing daily. To alternate among these things keeps variety high, no two days over the course of a month are the same, just by alternating various added things on an un-even basis.
I proportion the things I use based on the salad made, no so much the salad eaten. The amount consumed from one day to the next varies a great deal. Have you noticed that most food value labels are based on what's in the food, not how much you eat of the food? So I proportion things based on the total volume of salad made.
I use plain calcium carbonate at least once a week. I use 1/4 cup for 12 heads of greens. I notice this works well for all species with the exception of Testudo, which seem to require more.
I use a cup of layer crumbles mixed in 2 or 3 times a week. Layer crumbles are the whole ration that layer hens get, so 'diluted' with greens it is less concentrated, it provides a more calcium and D3.
I use a 1/2 cup of Vionate 2 or 3 times a week. This is a complex multi mineral vitamin mix with calcium and D3. Recommended amount for mammals is much higher than this amount.
One day a week I do not put any nutrient 'spike' in the diet. Just plain chopped greens with other foods. I use Alfalfa often, nearly every other day, it has D3 in it. I use Hibiscus flowers nearly every other day. I also rotate through several other dried loose leaf plants to encourage acceptance of variety. It also uses up some the moisture that does not shake off of washed greens. This includes Moringa, dandelion, plantain, raspberry, mulberry, and others.
The reason I don't blend all of these together and add them daily as a blend is then it is the same thing daily. To alternate among these things keeps variety high, no two days over the course of a month are the same, just by alternating various added things on an un-even basis.
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