Reptivite v Nutrobal

[mrscross78]

I had both but I spilt the nutrobal so now only have reptivite... I wondered what is best? I sprinkle it over their food every 2/3 days or so and use calcidust on other days... Is this ok? Thanks

[TortBabe]

I use Nutrobal 6 days and Reptavite once a week I'm sure I read that this was the way the Tortoise Table recommended

[16 shells]

Originally Posted by mrscross78

I had both but I spilt the nutrobal so now only have reptivite... I wondered what is best? I sprinkle it over their food every 3 days or so and use calcidust on other days... Is this ok? Thanks

It would depend on how much per day, over supplementing can be as bad as under, depending on calcium rich food stuffs. Recomended for Nutrobal is a pinch.

[filardimarg2]

But what about calcium??

Marg.

[16 shells]

Originally Posted by filardimarg2

But what about calcium??

Marg.

Mean extra calcium, this can be offered take it or leave it style as in Cuttlefish, Limestone flour, boulder Chalk, or Limestone flour pinched on food if not using a pinch of complete supplement every day.
I think supplementing every day is not needed, opinion.

[mrscross78]

Originally Posted by TortBabe

I use Nutrobal 6 days and Reptavite once a week I'm sure I read that this was the way the Tortoise Table recommended

It's a confusing one... I'd heard that calcium should be used more than multi vitamins.
Do I need to buy some nutrobal or will the reptavite be as good?

[mrscross78]

Originally Posted by 16 shells

It would depend on how much per day, over supplementing can be as bad as under, depending on calcium rich food stuffs. Recomended for Nutrobal is a pinch.

I agree... It's hard for me to know the correct balance. It also must depend on how big a pinch you use and how small or big the tortoises are!

I suppose the shell would start pyramiding would if it is wrong?

[Alan1]

No the shell wouldn't start pyramiding, that has more to do with humidity and possibly just drinking and also diet.

I read that Nutrobal was more geared at very young torts than Reptivite. I think it was a case of Reptivite being more like Arkvits, Arkvits is from the makers of Nutrobal but is for adults whereas Nutrobal is for growing animals.

Reptivite if still in date will do a job. With all those powders the D3 deteriorates over time particularly if not kept in the dark.

The instructions of Nutrobal say one pinch per Kg of animal so if your tort is 100g then it's a tenth of a pinch and you blow it over the food so you can imagine how little they actually get and or need.

There was an article by David Alderton in one of the early issues of Practical Reptile Keeping magazine (I believe he was to be the guest speaker at the cancelled JMAMT meeting) and it was about calcium overdose, could have been around issue 3 or something

[Alan1]

I posted this some time ago..

I have found the article, it wasn't here I saw it at all it was in PRK magazine, August 2009, page 35

Quote:
Excessive use of calcium powder on the food can interfere with the absorbtion of other key minerals and may trigger bladder stones, particularly if the tortoise is unable to drink freely. It is better to provide cuttle bone and break off a piece which your tortoise can nibble on as required, f it needs more calcium for any reason,such as egg laying. Don't assume that providing excessive amounts of calcium powder regularly on its food is beneficial.

David Alderton

Again, not my opinion

found it in a search http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...lcium+overdose

[kkenny]

I use Repitvite twice a week as it was provided with my tort from the centre I got him from so assume it is suitable for babies. I use limestone powder most days