Calcium needs for Geckos?

Question

Hey guys,

I'm getting a Gecko, Leopard or Fat-Tailed, haven't quiete made my mind up yet - so heres my question.

My plan is to dust his/her crickets with Nutrobal once a week, to keep a shallow dish of Reptocal in the vivarium at all times and to use a 5% UVB light - is this okay or is it a bit over the top?? And if so which one should I drop??

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Sounds great! Our anole is just fine with the dusted crickets, mealworms, and light! They also love flies! It is like choc. to them!  

Answer 2

I used to dust the crickets twice a week, and i kept a shallow dish of calcium powder in the viv too so that she could l**k it when she wants some.

I never used a UVB light for her as they are nocturnal i was told that the natural light would be enough, but using a light is ok as long as its turned off at night.

Sounds like your doing everything right,

too many people dont prepare enough for a reptile...

Answer 3

The UVB is controversial for nocturnal geckos.  I expose my Leos to 4-5 hr. daily (as recommend by two reptile vets).

As for the vitamins (keep them refrigerated), you'll want to dust the insects about every 3-4 days for an older animal, and every other day for a young one.

For babies/young animals, I would recommend dusting with calcium with D3 (refrigerate as well) as well as the vitamins.

Provide a shallow bowl of calcium D3 in the habitat, and when you notice the animal taking calcium as needed, you can stop dusting with it, but continue the vitamins.

Make sure your insects are properly gut loaded, and remove any which aren't eaten in a reasonable time (couple hours tops).

Avoid meal worms for younger animals, and feed sparingly to older ones.  Please peek out this site: http://hubpages.com/hub/Impaction

It sounds like you've done your homework, and are on your way to being a happy owner with healthy and content pets.

I'll post a few sites below that you can check out when you find time, if you haven't already, but please note my disclaimer.

Enjoy your new pet, and I hope this has been helpful.