the difference

[scottd]

anyone ever see how big of a difference supplements make? i mean we all worry about this so much but yet we as humans do not always use supplements ourselves. i believe in supplements for sure because i love my leos, but is it that much different?

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

A VERY good question!!!

The answer is, YES! It makes a difference. When animals are in their natural habitat in the wild, their food sources are also indigenous. This means that their natural food supply is also cultivated on the plants, animals, minerals, natural vitamin sources, and water of the geographic locale they all live in. Their bodies are adapted to derive the necessary nutrients from their natural environment they all live in. When animals are kept in captivity, there is no way we could possibly duplicate this when we feed them.

Leopard geckos come from an environment that is primarily limestone and granite, and not a lot of vegetation or water. The bugs they eat feed on other plant and animal life that has assimilated the calcium from the limestone, and other minerals and vitamins from the vegetation and water sources. This is nature's way of providing all the necessary nutrients to all her living creatures in a geographic area.

There are no crickets or mealworms in the natural habitat of Leopard Geckos. There are several species of locusts and other grubs and larvae that that they eat which are laden with the natural supplementation they require to be healthy.

Since we cannot provide them with their indigenous foods, we need to substitute with what is readily available for us to feed them. Since the diet we give them is lacking in the natural calcium, mineral, and vitamin supplements, they must be provided in addition for them. This is why it is important to gut-load feeder insects, and provide extra calcium and vitamins that can best (not perfectly) match what they are missing.

 

[LadyGecko]

I have to agree 100% here
As usual Marcia is right on with her answer

The best argument for the use of calcium powder and a vitamin and mineral supplement is a gecko with MBD

Whether it be from the gecko not be able to properly assimilate the calcium offered or no calcium provided in it's diet-the leg bones bend-the jaw becomes soft and the spine ultimately will twist

It is NOT a pretty sight

Sandy

 

[efx*]

Ditto!!

 

[scottd]

thank you. that was very well stated and i can see the other side of the spectrum. i think that supplements are a good idea i just wondered if un-supplemented geckos have unhealthy or detrimental issues. in experience of course from someone who only later decided to start supplementation and noticed a difference after supplements.

 

[johnnyboy4783]

Great info!