vitamins, calcium, gutloading NOOB. help a brotha out?!

[xxzmmorexx]

So, i have been wondering lately about gutloading and some other things. My first question is about gut loading. I know there are a lot of products out there such as dino fuel,rapashy, ect. but what works best and whats the best way to do it? Can i just sprinkle in on feeding insects or is throwing it on veggies the best? Next is to deal with vitamins and calcium. What are good ones to use for veileds and how much and how often? I am really trying to get more knowledge and do a kick ass job with my upcoming chameleons i feel like when i had my last couple i didnt do enough! but this time i am pushing it to the limit!

 

[DavidBuchan]

As far as products are concerned I can tell you that Flukers stuff has a poor reputation, I've used some and wouldn't recommend it.
Repashy Bug Burger is the only high quality one I've used and I think it's great. Some people use it dry, or sprinkle it on feeders or veg....... .....I add a little extra bee pollen and spirulina and water to make it into a gel - which I call 'sweet green bug burger'
Here is a great blog about gutloading because it's always good to get a variety of fresh foods too - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

Powders for Veileds. Most people use a plain (no phosphorous/no d3) calcium powder for everyday. Use a powder with d3 twice a month. Use a reptile multivit once or twice a month. I can't really advise on brands....

Here is a great all round caresheet I always recommend for Veileds - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/chameleonsinmyhouse/395-veiled-chameleon-care-sheet.html

 

[tkilgour]

With DinoFuel, you can simply put a small amount on some fresh green, nuts and seeds. It is 100% organic and has natural pigment enhancers in it. You can also dust the insects with it. As far as calcium goes, you can use Repashy "All in One" Calcium plus several days a week or go old school and dust with Calcium with D3, regular calcium, and a multi-vitamin supplement. Plug them into the search and you will find how often to use the calcium powders and multivitamins. Opinions vary.

 

[ubhuti]

With DinoFuel, you can simply put a small amount on some fresh green, nuts and seeds. It is 100% organic and has natural pigment enhancers in it. You can also dust the insects with it. As far as calcium goes, you can use Repashy "All in One" Calcium plus several days a week or go old school and dust with Calcium with D3, regular calcium, and a multi-vitamin supplement. Plug them into the search and you will find how often to use the calcium powders and multivitamins. Opinions vary.

tkilgour,

what do you mean by pigment enhancers? could you elaborate please

 

[tkilgour]

Sure. For example, marigold or pot marigold (calendula). The active compounds found in marigold have the quality of stimulating blood circulation and speeding up the healing periods. Marigold flowers contain a bitter compound. They have healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing effects. They provide a huge source of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, proteins , among others. The contained bio-flavonoids reduce the fragility of the capillary blood vessels as well.

Spirulina is another example. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. As suspected, natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power. Look at marine fish. They are some of the most colorful animals on the planet and many of them consume spirulina and other algae. spirulina's concentrated nutrient value, it is easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes, skin and vision.

Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots.

Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.

Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.

These are just a few examples. Thanks

 

[sandrachameleon]

So, i have been wondering lately about gutloading and some other things. My first question is about gut loading. I know there are a lot of products out there such as dino fuel,rapashy, ect. but what works best and whats the best way to do it? Can i just sprinkle in on feeding insects or is throwing it on veggies the best? Next is to deal with vitamins and calcium. What are good ones to use for veileds and how much and how often? I am really trying to get more knowledge and do a kick ass job with my upcoming chameleons i feel like when i had my last couple i didnt do enough! but this time i am pushing it to the limit!

I recommend you gutload with fresh veggies etc. as described in these links:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/659-green-leafy-goodness-gutloading.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...just-crickets-roaches-gutload-everything.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/443-superworm-substrate-gutload-one.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/697-dry-gutload-mix-august-2012.html
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-nuts-seeds-healthy-part-perfect-gutload.html

Dino Fuel is good to add to your veggies etc
Cricket crack gets good grades too.
Some people like Repashy Bug Burger and will even use it instead of good veggies etc. but I would recommend only using it as part of your gutload.

As for supplements, I recommend Sticky Tongue Farms Miner-al O for your vitamin free calcium. As well as something like Repashy Calicum Plus for the vitamins once a week. Assuming you have good UVB lighting.
Info on supplementing: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/65-supplements.html

 

[MRDEEDUB83]

I use rapashy calcium/hydro load and superload and i would reccomend it seriously it is the best my panther is in great health etc an i beleave the rapashy plays a big part

 

[ubhuti]

Sure. For example, marigold or pot marigold (calendula). The active compounds found in marigold have the quality of stimulating blood circulation and speeding up the healing periods. Marigold flowers contain a bitter compound. They have healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing effects. They provide a huge source of flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, proteins , among others. The contained bio-flavonoids reduce the fragility of the capillary blood vessels as well.

Spirulina is another example. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. As suspected, natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power. Look at marine fish. They are some of the most colorful animals on the planet and many of them consume spirulina and other algae. spirulina's concentrated nutrient value, it is easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes, skin and vision.

Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots.

Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.

Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.

These are just a few examples. Thanks

thanks so much for this info tkilgour. it is amazing how complex changing skin color is in chameleons. i found this wiki article while researching your response - really interesting stuff.

 

[tkilgour]

I am happy to help.