Feeding and Nutrition :: Terrible Mother

[Moose]

okay so, eugene has RI and both eugene and buster are going to the vet on sunday (I'll let you all know how it goes) but now I think pyramiding is taking place. When they bask their shells are very dry and white but no scutes are falling off and inbetween the scutes the dark lines its starting to look kind of deep, and I now realize that im over feeding them. What can i feed them that is a good source of Vitamin A or D? I'm worried and feel like a terrible mother. I'm getting a new clamp lamp and my heater isn't working at all. any suggestions and support would be very much appreciated, pics to follow, tomorrow.

[Jeff]

I'm in the mood to respond to post tonight ...lol....anyways, I doubt your guys are suffering from pyramiding (if they are the same size as the pics you posted a couple days ago), because they are too small. The deep lines and whitening could just be the sign of a good shedding needed, or could just be you being a nervous momma. Anyways, you can supplement vitamin A with carrots or sweet potatoes (but not too much sweet potatoes). Vitamin D actually is considered the "sun" vitamin. It comes from natural sunlight, or from a full spectrum UV bulb. It helps with the break down of calcium, stimulates their metabolism, and helps to keep the shell healthy.

As far as feeding, only feed them how much you would fit inside their head if it were hollowed out, excluding the neck. This will help you from over feeding.

[Moose]

THank YOU! I'll pick up some carrots and sweet potatos tonight! Thank JEff!
and I like when you reply to my posts cuz at least im getting the advice I need from a very reliable source! i'll let you know how it goes!

[Jeff]

Anytime..Oh and don't feed them raw sweet potatoes. You can cook it slightly so it's softer, and then let it cool. It's easier for the little guys to eat

[wiccabrat]

I'm gonna jump in and say a heater is important for the little guys, a heat lights a must and a way to bask under it, and uvb you need. I always keep my lil guys warmer than my adults and make sure the basking spot is warmer than the water or they won't use it. RI is so common in the lil ones and the best way to avoid it is keep them warm.

[Mercutia]

If you're worried about vitamin D deficiency you don't neccessarily need a full spectrum UV bulb. UVB is the specific ray that stimulates vitamin D production, and would probably be cheaper and more cost efficient if you already have a basking lamp.

[marisa]

Bulbs that say they're "full spectrum" don't necessarily emit UVB rays. A bulb that does will say it on the package.

[Moose]

update! Eugene is doing beautifully! The heater went in, an embarrassment on my part cuz i didnt kno that it had to sit in the water for awhile before it turns on, and eugene is swimming a little better, basking beautifully and no more bubbles, my vet canceled the appointment I had for him last sunday to this coming sunday on the 1st, so pics will be posted and the checkup will be too! Thank you SOOOO much you guyz! I appreciate it!

OH! and buster and eugene say hellO!

[Jeff]

Glad to hear all is well Moose!!