Re: Calcium & Growth Question...

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Posted by Annie Lancaaster, TortoiseAid on October 12, 2000 at 23:17:10:

In Reply to: Calcium & Growth Question... posted by Mark H. on October 07, 2000 at 20:11:46:

: 1. What brand of calcium supplement you you using? Anyone using a vitamin/mineral/D3 mixture?

For outdoor animals getting full sunlight, I use cuttlebone or Rep cal Ultrafine WITHOUT Vitamin D3.
If animals are indoors, I use Rep-Cal WITH Vitamin D3. For both indoor and outdoor animals, I do supplement with Herptivite and nothing else.
Be certain to read your labels, some of the products out there are not what they claim to be, have additives (such as sodium) in them from non-pharmaceutical grade additives, and can ultimately cause problems, others contain heavy metals and other undesirable trace items which we'd consider poison.
Also, be CERTAIN that ANY item you do use lists the amount of D3 added per 100 mg of calcium, this is VERY important!!!!!

: 2. What is the correct way to take measurements for growth charting? a) carapace or Plastron? b) From point to point or with cloth tape flat against shell to get the exact length of actual shell?

Straight carapace length (SCL) is the most common used, place the tortoise on the floor, use calipers if you have them...if not, draw lines at the base of the shell on the head and tail end, and then measure the distance between the two lines. Personally, I prefer calipers, much more reliable. Also be certain to weigh your hatchling on a regular basis, aim for smooth, slow growth...offer only natural food items, and remember, this animal's stomach is roughly the size of it's head. They will eat more than they're supposed to if offered...no fruits, not vegetables, jsut natural items. A link to a plant list has been provided for you below.

Hope this helps,
Annie

Food Plant List

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: : 1. What brand of calcium supplement you you using? Anyone using a vitamin/mineral/D3 mixture? : For outdoor animals getting full sunlight, I use cuttlebone or Rep cal Ultrafine WITHOUT Vitamin D3. : If animals are indoors, I use Rep-Cal WITH Vitamin D3. For both indoor and outdoor animals, I do supplement with Herptivite and nothing else. : Be certain to read your labels, some of the products out there are not what they claim to be, have additives (such as sodium) in them from non-pharmaceutical grade additives, and can ultimately cause problems, others contain heavy metals and other undesirable trace items which we'd consider poison. : Also, be CERTAIN that ANY item you do use lists the amount of D3 added per 100 mg of calcium, this is VERY important!!!!! : : 2. What is the correct way to take measurements for growth charting? a) carapace or Plastron? b) From point to point or with cloth tape flat against shell to get the exact length of actual shell? : Straight carapace length (SCL) is the most common used, place the tortoise on the floor, use calipers if you have them...if not, draw lines at the base of the shell on the head and tail end, and then measure the distance between the two lines. Personally, I prefer calipers, much more reliable. Also be certain to weigh your hatchling on a regular basis, aim for smooth, slow growth...offer only natural food items, and remember, this animal's stomach is roughly the size of it's head. They will eat more than they're supposed to if offered...no fruits, not vegetables, jsut natural items. A link to a plant list has been provided for you below. : Hope this helps, : Annie

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