I use neither of these supplements but have had excellent results with Nekton MSA. Since dropping nutrobal I have had more success with breeding adults and also with activity of youngsters. Not sure what the reason is, but it just seems to outshine all other supplements I have used. What makes you think she is underweight, a lot depends on the overall shape of the tortoise? Neither of the supplements you mention are a replacement for limestone - limestone alone is not a good supplement and in this country they need added D3 and other minerals daily, especially if kept indoors.

 

Based on the Jackson ratio charts, also my vet classed her as anorexic, she needs to be about 200g before ill be happy. She's on an excellent diet which is varied and has the best lighting etc, so just supplements I need to focus on I used to use limestone instead of calci dust and use the calci-dust d3 supplement nutrobal on the other days, was approved by the vet just wanted to know how they compared!

 

The difference is that one is calcium and the other is calcium with added vitamins and minerals, so basically a bit like comparing a human meal of fish, with fish and chips - different combinations The Jackson ration only works if your tortoise is exactly the same shape as a wild one of similar age. Most home reared ones are not, so if your tortoise is a bit flatter than usual then the ratio will be totally different - pics of your tortoise will help The ratio you give is perfectly acceptable and if he was 200 grams at that size, I would be a bit concerned as to it being overweight. If you try to 'feed up' your tortoise, you will likely just end up with too fast growth. Is your vet a specialist or just going by charts and info provided by other sources?

 

I know calcidust hasn't got extra in whereas nutrobal is, just wondered if calcidust and limestone flour have the same calcium value as she preferred limestone flour. Also nutrobal vs arkvits as I know they have similar properties arkvits has more in but not sure if it's a replacement or not, I'll see if I can upload a photo

 

Calcium carbonate and limestone are the same thing and not a manufactured product. Nutrobal has a strong taste which some tortoises object to and so if only given on certain days, they are clever enough to pick it out and not eat it. Nekton doesn't seem to have this effect and I have never had a tortoise object to it at all. Arkvits are made by the same manufacturer as Nutrobal, but different ratios of vits, minerals etc. A lot depends on your own tortoises needs.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152376639077985&l=9863238263

 

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Your tortoise is growing well and has a nice shell. It's legs are nice and plump and I certainly would not be trying to increase it's growth. Maybe your vet needs to do a bit more research:whistling2: Did they say why they thought it was underweight? Are they going by age or other reasons? How old is it?

 

I think calcidust and limestone flour are pretty much the same thing. Should be 99% calcium. Your best bet would be to compare the contents of the two. I know a lot of tort keepers use limestone flour and buy the big equestrian tubs at a fraction of the price if thats any help.

I use neutrobal for my reps (sparingly you can over do those sorts of things if you are not careful) as well as calcidust. I might try limestone flour but not sure if its good for my beardie or not. Calcium on the other hand is near impossible to over do (so I was told)

Nice tort by the way.

 

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm going to get some limestone flour! She's lovely but hard work, vet said I've been unlucky and got one with a poor immune system! Esp as she's young! but I wouldn't change her for the world. I'd love a beardie, gorgeous pets! thank you very much for the advice x