Repashy Calcium Plus

[Chaka]

So I know everyone says it is an all-in-one supplement, but I just purchased a bottle and starting reading the ingredients...

All it says is "Vitamin D supplement", and nowhere does it say Vitamin D3

Can anyone confirm that there is in fact Vit D3 in it?

And should I offer calcium with Vit D3 every other week still if there isn't any included?

 

[Chaka]

pakinjak

Re: Repashy Calcium Plus

I've personally asked Allen this same question, and perhaps he'll see this and chime in just in case I get it wrong. Calcium plus is Supervite mixed with calcium. The Vitamin D level in Cal plus is actually D3, it just has something to do with labeling requirements that it's listed as just Vitamin D.
__________________

Crap I just found the answer on another forum..

 

[Deevo]

I have been using the Repashy calcium plus for the past 5 months or so with my two-horn and have had good results. Once every other month ill dust with exo-terra multivitamin.

 

[sandrachameleon]

So I know everyone says it is an all-in-one supplement, but I just purchased a bottle and starting reading the ingredients...
All it says is "Vitamin D supplement", and nowhere does it say Vitamin D3
Can anyone confirm that there is in fact Vit D3 in it?
And should I offer calcium with Vit D3 every other week still if there isn't any included?

the "3" doesn't matter. You've got the right stuff.

I suggest you Use once a week max if you have the regular / original rather than the low d version, rather than daily as stated on the label. Use vitamin free calcium the rest of the time, as needed

 

[Chaka]

the "3" doesn't matter. You've got the right stuff.

I suggest you Use once a week max if you have the regular / original rather than the low d version, rather than daily as stated on the label. Use vitamin free calcium the rest of the time, as needed

Are you saying there's more than one version?

The one I have says "Vitamin D min 20,000 IU/lb" guaranteed analysis.

 

[Kate]

Repeshey make a LoD one which I use daily when Popeyes off his eating.this makes sure he gets some supplement when he does eat. Personally I don't feel comfortable using calcium plus daily but would use it once a week as suggested by Sandra.

 

[sandrachameleon]

Are you saying there's more than one version?

The one I have says "Vitamin D min 20,000 IU/lb" guaranteed analysis.

yes, there is more than one version. You have the regular /original, so depending on the type of chameleon, the type of feeder/prey, how you gutload, about of outdoor time / UVB lighting, etc. you might use that about once a week.

the low d version has about a third as much D. 8,333 IU per pound

 

[Deevo]

I personally was cautious of dusting with every feeding with the calcium plus. Would every other day be alright?

 

[sandrachameleon]

I personally was cautious of dusting with every feeding with the calcium plus. Would every other day be alright?

Depends on the type of chameleon, the type of feeder/prey, how you gutload, amount of outdoor time / UVB lighting, etc. There is no set schedule that fits all situations.

you may find the information in these blog entries useful to you in determining what is right for your particular situation:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html#comment1482
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/olimpia/573-chameleon-physiology-supplements.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/174-whats-supplements-brand.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

 

[pinsetter1991]

im glad you guys are posting about this! i have the exact same question

 

[Norcal55]

I have been using the Cal Plus for years and love it. I switched over to the LoD version a while back and is it on all my Chams. I have raised several healthy clutches with no problems at all.

 

[Psychobunny]

Me too, been using it now for a few years, after the Kammer's recommended
it. I am using both versions, the regular, for my veiled and panther, and
the LoD for my jax.
I did however stop using it every day, and now only use it maybe 3 times a
week. Use plain calcium everyday instead.
I don't know why, I guess it's because so many members here had advised
not to use it every day.
But I think it's a bit too much of everything to give them every day.

Maybe I'm wrong, the Kammer's use it exclusively, and you can see for yourself how healthy their chams are.
But they also told me they use Bug Burger ONLY for their feeders, nothing
else. That was some time ago though, maybe they have changed the routine
by now.

 

[Deevo]

What does the LoD version look like? I have been gutloading my crickets with the repashy superload for sometime.. I'm thinking of switching to the bug burger.

edit: It does say on the label they recommended to use in conjunction with calcium plus, I was sort of concerned about a nutrient over dose lol

 

[sandrachameleon]

What does the LoD version look like? I have been gutloading my crickets with the repashy superload for sometime.. I'm thinking of switching to the bug burger.

edit: It does say on the label they recommended to use in conjunction with calcium plus, I was sort of concerned about a nutrient over dose lol

the low d version has about a third as much D (and A).
that makes it a better product for use in keeping chameleons, IMHO.

 

[sandrachameleon]

...I am using both versions, the regular, for my veiled and panther, and
the LoD for my jax. I did however stop using it every day, and now only use it maybe 3 times a
week. Use plain calcium everyday instead. I don't know why, I guess it's because so many members here had advised
not to use it every day. But I think it's a bit too much of everything to give them every day..

ya, that's exactly it. many of us found it to be too much for daily use. the regular original version I mean.
some previous threads on the topic:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/calci...w-often-90525/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/repas...-input-101541/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/repas...m-plus-101424/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/quest...m-plus-101872/

...the Kammer's use it exclusively, and you can see for yourself how healthy their chams are.
But they also told me they use Bug Burger ONLY for their feeders, nothing
else. That was some time ago though, maybe they have changed the routine by now.

Perhaps being a large operation they are unable to provide a good prey variety or gutload using fresh food, hence the need for additional supplementation (relying heavily on supplement rather than having supplements supplement a good diet). It makes sense that a commercial venture would go for simple over excellent. Im not saying they aren't excellent either - I know very little about their operation, what prey they offer or how long lived their animals are.

I do know that I have long lived healthy chameleons and many healthy offspring, and from my experience I know that one doesn't need to go overboard with vitamin supplements. IMHO a decent prey selection and gutload is the more natural way to go. and given the amount of media /health care journals articles stating that artificial supplements / vitamin tablets aren't used nearly as well in human bodies as real food source vitamins, Im inclined to stick with my "good feeding" over "heavily supplementing" regime.

all that said, the new low d version of respashy calcium plus is what I intend to purchase next time I need to buy a vitamin supplement.

 

[Psychobunny]

I agree Sandra, a supplement is just that, only a supplement, to be used
as needed, just like use own supplements.

Good gutloading, and if you are lucky enough to live in a climate where your
chams can be outside a lot, you can go easy on the supplements.

Personally, I sort of "play it by ear" with supplements.
I ask myself, what have they been lacking before doing any supplements.

In fact, I have a bunch of veggies in the steamer now.
Stuff like carrots, acorn and butternut squash, and sweet potato are too hard
when raw, so I cube it up, steam it until it is a little softer, and store in the
freezer.

I don't imagine the Kammer's would have the time to do all that.
I also don't know the long term effects (if any) of exclusive use of commercial
products like bug burger and cal. plus on the health and longevity of chams.

 

[Chaka]

What does the LoD version look like? I have been gutloading my crickets with the repashy superload for sometime.. I'm thinking of switching to the bug burger.

I was interested too on what it looks like, there are only a few online vendors.

http://www.store.repashy.com/calcium-plus-4-lod-oz-bag.html

 

[fluxlizard]

It makes sense that a commercial venture would go for simple over excellent. Im not saying they aren't excellent either - I know very little about their operation, what prey they offer or how long lived their animals are.

While I agree with what you are saying overall, having purchased a dozen or so chameleons from the Kammers over the past 15 or so years, I do feel like I should speak up about my experience with those chameleons, as the inference here is that they may be somehow less than excellent.

Straight up- if you don't know because you live in a country where you can't see for yourself by purchasing one or at a show, then you shouldn't infer things about someone else.

Their chameleons were always easily the healthiest lizards I have ever purchased from anyone, anywhere, at any time. And I've purchased quite a few over the years and am not comparing among small numbers like say a few dozen individuals. There was a *visible* easily discernible difference that made the superior quality of their lizards an absolute joy to own and work with. The cost was a little more, but the lizards were always first rate, perfect condition, healthy, well started and trouble free after purchase. The peace of mind that came from knowing that the lizard purchased would arrive every time in this condition was well worth the purchase price.

Secondly- I'll disagree with the issue that simple and excellent are mutually exclusive concepts. In fact, usually excellence comes from simplicity, not complexity.

 

[sandrachameleon]

... as the inference here is that they may be somehow less than excellent.

absolutely NOT what was said. Indeed, I explicitly stated this is NOT what I was meaning.

Secondly- I'll disagree with the issue that simple and excellent are mutually exclusive concepts.

I also did NOT say that simple and excellent are mutually exclusive. Nor did I say complexity is valuable.
what was actually said that I would not find it surprising if someone went for simple rather than excellent. I did NOT say one couldn't do simple AND excellent.

 

[Psychobunny]

While I agree with what you are saying overall, having purchased a dozen or so chameleons from the Kammers over the past 15 or so years, I do feel like I should speak up about my experience with those chameleons, as the inference here is that they may be somehow less than excellent.

Straight up- if you don't know because you live in a country where you can't see for yourself by purchasing one or at a show, then you shouldn't infer things about someone else.

Their chameleons were always easily the healthiest lizards I have ever purchased from anyone, anywhere, at any time. And I've purchased quite a few over the years and am not comparing among small numbers like say a few dozen individuals. There was a *visible* easily discernible difference that made the superior quality of their lizards an absolute joy to own and work with. The cost was a little more, but the lizards were always first rate, perfect condition, healthy, well started and trouble free after purchase. The peace of mind that came from knowing that the lizard purchased would arrive every time in this condition was well worth the purchase price.

Secondly- I'll disagree with the issue that simple and excellent are mutually exclusive concepts. In fact, usually excellence comes from simplicity, not complexity.

I have only bought one panther cham from the Kammer's and it died suddenly
and mysteriously after a year.
He also (according to the vet) had a neurological problem which affected his
coordination, so had to be hand fed.
He was also abnormally small, and his tail was only half the normal length.

Camimom commented on this when she was here to deliver Smidget.

He developed tumors on both sides of his neck and died the very day of his vet
appointment.

So I have no comments on the validity of their husbandry practices.