Re: What is the answer?? Cuttlebone?

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Posted by Mr. D on June 20, 2002 at 12:35:19:

In Reply to: What is the answer?? Cuttlebone? posted by Flavia Guimaraes on June 20, 2002 at 10:09:40:

Flavia, the reason for providing UVB for igs in captivity is so that they can process it and transform it into D3. They do this naturally which is why natural sunlight is always the best solution for UV exposure. It's when an ig is taken inside away from sunlight that problems can/do occur. Artificial UV lighting has come to be easily confusing these days especially with misleading advertising as prevalent as it is.

The problem with artificially supplimenting D3 is that it is entirely too easy to overdose an ig especially if they are receiving both D3 suppliments and UVB - there's simply no way to *easily* determine how much D3 an ig's body is producing naturally. One of the "nice" things about iguana physiology is that natural D3 production is self-regulating meaning that, in healthy specimens, they will only produce as much D3 as their body needs. Introducing D3 in suppliment form can easily throw off the amount in an ig's body thereby leading to potentially toxic levels.

Unless an ig comes in with extreme metabolic issues, as has been the case only 3 or 4 times so far, we do not suppliment D3 in their diets. Our blood work has come back time and time again with sufficient D3 levels - for the most part naturally occuring due to UVB exposure.

As with D3, unless an ig comes in with severe issues, calcium intake is also controlled naturally by manipulating their diets - not that much manipulation is needed. Collards and dandelions are the basis of the food that we prepare with other leafy greens rotating in and out to keep everyone interested.

As Bon suggested, Tums can be used as a short term calcium suppliment. If only needed occassionally, they do well for additional Ca. The potential problem with them is that there are rumors (I say that only because I have yet to find supporting documentation) that long term usage of Tums can cause seizures in Igs. If you feel you need a regular calcium suppliment and are not comfortable using Tums, T-Rex Bone Aid Microstick Calcium Powder contains no D3. These days, with all of the gut loading and insect feeding we do around here we use this for additional calcium for the "bug eaters" we have here. On occassion we'll sprinkle some over an ig's salad as well.

Hope this helps....

The Iguana Spot

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Thank you Mr D...(more...) Flavia Guimaraes 06/23/02 (0)

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: Flavia, the reason for providing UVB for igs in captivity is so that they can process it and transform it into D3. They do this naturally which is why natural sunlight is always the best solution for UV exposure. It's when an ig is taken inside away from sunlight that problems can/do occur. Artificial UV lighting has come to be easily confusing these days especially with misleading advertising as prevalent as it is. : The problem with artificially supplimenting D3 is that it is entirely too easy to overdose an ig especially if they are receiving both D3 suppliments and UVB - there's simply no way to *easily* determine how much D3 an ig's body is producing naturally. One of the "nice" things about iguana physiology is that natural D3 production is self-regulating meaning that, in healthy specimens, they will only produce as much D3 as their body needs. Introducing D3 in suppliment form can easily throw off the amount in an ig's body thereby leading to potentially toxic levels. : Unless an ig comes in with extreme metabolic issues, as has been the case only 3 or 4 times so far, we do not suppliment D3 in their diets. Our blood work has come back time and time again with sufficient D3 levels - for the most part naturally occuring due to UVB exposure. : As with D3, unless an ig comes in with severe issues, calcium intake is also controlled naturally by manipulating their diets - not that much manipulation is needed. Collards and dandelions are the basis of the food that we prepare with other leafy greens rotating in and out to keep everyone interested. : As Bon suggested, Tums can be used as a short term calcium suppliment. If only needed occassionally, they do well for additional Ca. The potential problem with them is that there are rumors (I say that only because I have yet to find supporting documentation) that long term usage of Tums can cause seizures in Igs. If you feel you need a regular calcium suppliment and are not comfortable using Tums, T-Rex Bone Aid Microstick Calcium Powder contains no D3. These days, with all of the gut loading and insect feeding we do around here we use this for additional calcium for the "bug eaters" we have here. On occassion we'll sprinkle some over an ig's salad as well. : Hope this helps....

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