Criptic's Page On Herps - Reptiles - General Care - Feeding

Please Note - this is intended to provide basic information. For specific information, look to see if your species is located above!

Calcium rich plant matter.

Collards, mustard greens, alfalfa chow or pellets, dandelions, bok choy, swiss chord, kale, beet greens, escarole, green beans and turnip greens.

Kale and bok choy should be fed in small amounts only.

Feed two or more items of calcium rich plant matter. They should make up approx. 35% of diet.

Other vegetables.

Romaine lettuce, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded squashes, zucchini, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, various sprouts, grated carrots and okra.

Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and other members of the cabbage family should be fed in small amounts. They are known to cause thyroid problems when fed in large amounts.

Feed a variety of other vegetables. They should make up approx. 35% of diet

Grain/fiber sources.

Mixed grain bread and natural bran cereal.

Feed grain/fiber sources once a week. They should make up no more then 20% of diet.

Fruits.

Calcium rich fruits: Fresh figs, papaya, and raspberries.

Others: Melons, apples, plums, peaches, strawberries, tomatoes, bananas, grapes, and kiwi.

Offer a variety at fruits. They should makeup no more than 15% of diet.

Vitamin/mineral supplementation.

To prevent the possibility of vitamin/mineral deficiencies, it is recommended to supplement their diet. Juveniles are more prone to decalcification and supplementation will prevent this from taking place. Most herps require a 2:1 ratio of calcium:phosphorus. Due to the high content of phosphorous content in most plant matter, care must be given to provide both calcium rich plant matter as well as a calcium supplement, such as Rep Cal^®. Herps also require vitamin D₃ to help in the absorption of calcium. To provide D₃ make sure to have full spectrum fluorescent lights. UVB helps herps make vitamin D₃. Also, make sure the calcium supplement you choose contains D₃ as Rep-cal^® does.

Any Multivitamin supplement available at a pet store should suffice. I recommend Herptivite^®. Herptivite^® contains beta-carotine instead of vitamin A. Excessive amounts of vitamin A can cause thyroid problems as well as eyesight problems. This will ultimately lead to death. With beta-carotine, the herps body will only convert what is needed into vitamin A. Beta-carotine is also known to help the herp maintain its bright coloration. Make sure any multivitamin you choose contains Beta-carotine instead of vitamin A, as does Herptivite^®

Previous | Next

All photos, sounds, and text are covered in the copyright laws Please do not use without permission!!!! (permission has already been granted with all sound files on this site)