suppliments at the ranch



Howdy Fellow Froggers,

I just wanted to contribute to the supplementation thread.

Ever since 1995 AZDR has used the following products;

Rep-Cal Herptivite Multivitamin

And

Rep-Cal Calcium with Vitamin D3 http://www.repcal.com/supp.htm#Her ptivite

We are not distributors and in no way make any money from recommending them.

However, based upon the e-mails I have read, I wanted to point out;

1. Herptivite does not contain Vitamin A, rather Beta Carotene – here is a quote directly from their web site; “HERPTIVITE is the first reptile vitamin without Vitamin A. Instead we use Beta Carotene which is an anti-oxidant that is converted into Vitamin A in a regulated way, so there is no threat of Vitamin A toxicity.”

2. Curses Frogman, they said the “R” word – that mean it isn’t any good for our froggies. Wrong Tadpole, read further;

Rep-Cal's HERPTIVITE is a superior multi-vitamin, multimineral and amino acid food supplement developed from the latest findings in reptile and amphibian nutritional research.

3. Herptivite also contain folic acid – although we do supplement with additional folic acid.

4. Rep-cal Calcium with Vitamin D3 - here is another quote from their web site;

“Rep-Cal Ultrafine (fine grind) is an excellent source of calcium for all reptiles and amphibians. Scientifically formulated from 100% natural Oyster Shell phosphorous-free calcium carbonate with added Vitamin D3 to aid in the absorption of calcium.”

5. Rep-Cal encourages us to mix the 2 immediately before dusting so we don’t have additional work (multiple dusting containers, etc.);

“We ask that you mix Rep-Cal with our vitamin supplement Herptivite. If we premixed the products, the "beadlets" of beta carotene in Herptivite may possibly be damaged during manufacturing by the calcium in Rep-Cal.”

6. They are widely available at Petsmart, Petco, and many pet stores and shows, and are reasonably priced.

7. We dust with both whenever we feed with fruit flys – simply because the flys immediately start cleaning themselves and we want to increase the chances that the frogs will at least get some supplementation when we feed them.

8. We also try to feed as varied a diet as possible – fruit flys, both sizes, rice flour beetle larva, springtails, and hopefully soon, milkweed bugs, oh, and micro wax moths and larva for the larger frogs.

9. We have d. leucomelas that we got in 1995/96 – our only remaining original frogs – that have been receiving these supplements for eight to nine years, without any problems. Although, let me mention my belief that few other dart frogs are as tough-as-nails as leucs – everyone should have them, they are hands down the winner for all time best dart frog – all the positive traits of all the other darts!!

10. We feed all our tadpoles pure spirulina and chlorella power 1:1 ratio – plus chunks of vegetable/fruits – it is much easier to gut load a tadpole than it is a frog – and they come out huge.

11. We have no opinions either positive or negative on any other supplements, as we have never used any others ourselves – although we would gladly test and report on any free samples we may receive ;)

Finally, I just wanted to point out how I have always been amazed at how many froggers turn their noses up to these common, yet as far as I am concerned – perfectly fine and reasonably priced supplements. And yet, if you look at their ingredients they have everything that has been mentioned as positive on this list, and as far as I can tell none of the bad. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Again, I am not sharing this opinion for any other reason other than to let all froggers, new and old, know what has worked for us. We have always told other froggers to ask as many people as you can, and then use what works best for you – there is very seldom only “one way” to do things.

Take care all,

Greg & Amanda Sihler

Arizona Dendrobate Ranch

http://www.azdr.com

http://www.dendrobates.com





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