Tag: vitamin powder

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Leopard gecko calcium powder – what reptile supplement to use – how to dust feeders – calcium with D3 or without – best multivitamin – how often do I dust – feeding guide

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What leopard gecko calcium powder do I use?  Calcium with D3 or without D3?  What brand of vitamin is best?  How do I dust feeders?  How often should I dust my feeders?  Should I gutload feeders?  These are all very common questions from leopard gecko hobbyists.  We will go through all these questions and hopefully clear things up for you.  Here is an easy to follow comprehensive gecko feeding/supplement guide.  So let’s get started!

What multivitamin for leopard geckos and african fat-tails?

There are two brands we recommend, they are Repashy Calcium Plus, and Zoo Med Reptivite with D3.  We have used these two commercial multivitamins extensively for over 5 years.  They have worked very well for us.  These are all-in-one leopard gecko calcium and multivitamin supplements, they contain vitamin D3, calcium, other vitamins, trace minerals, and carotenoids for dusting insects .  If you use one of these two products, you will not need additional supplement on the side.

As a breeder, I lean towards Repashy Calcium Plus.  It is a slightly more potent formula.  When our female breeders go through 6-7 months long of breeding season each year, sometimes laying up to 15-20 eggs, their bodies get really drained and exhausted.  Repashy Calcium Plus has worked wonders for us.  For general hobbyists not breeding, Zoo Med Reptivite with D3 will do just fine.

Here is Repashy Calcium Plus ingredients list and guaranteed analysis:

INGREDIENTS: Calcium Carbonate, Dried Kelp, Dried Brewer’s Yeast, RoseHips, Calendula Flower, Marigold Flower, Paprika, Hibiscus Flower, Algae Meal, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract, Natural Fruit Flavor, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Selenium Yeast. Vitamins: (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium L-Ascorbyl-2-Monophosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Beta Carotene, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B-12 Supplement).

Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein min. .2%, Crude Fat min. .2%, Crude Fiber max. 4%, Moisture max. 8%, Calcium min. 17%, Vitamin A min. 200,000 IU/lb, Vitamin D min. 20,000 IU/lb, Vitamin E min. 2,000 IU/lb.

How often should I dust my insect feeders?  Do I still need to gutload?

Continue reading “Leopard gecko calcium powder – what reptile supplement to use – how to dust feeders – calcium with D3 or without – best multivitamin – how often do I dust – feeding guide”

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Did You Know? Leopard Geckos Are Crepuscular

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Did you know that leopard geckos are crepuscular?

It has long been thought that leopard geckos are a nocturnal species.  But leopard geckos have been observed to come out at fading light during dusk & dawn, the very definition of a crepuscular species.  Where as nocturnal animals only come out at night, and they shy away from light completely.  Nocturnal species also have distinct features such as very large eyes and ears so they can see & hear at night.  So the next time someone tells you leopard geckos are nocturnal, you can correct them by saying leopard geckos are crepuscular, they are most active around dusk & dawn during twilight.

What about diurnal species?

Leopard geckos are very much different from diurnal species such as iguanas, bearded dragons, and chameleons.  Diurnal species are awake during the day and sleep at night.  They bask under full spectrum sunlight, using UVB for Vitamin D3 synthesis.  They absorb light and heat through their backs.

Since leopard geckos are crepuscular, do they need basking light?

Do leopard geckos require basking light?  The answer is no. They get very limited exposure to sunlight in the wild, as they are only active during dusk/dawn and at night.  So the little UVB they get, they would get during fading light.  Leopard geckos burrow deep under ground to sleep during the day, and they wake up in the afternoon/evening to go hunt for food.  They are also able to navigate at night using natural moonlight. Continue reading “Did You Know? Leopard Geckos Are Crepuscular”