PRACTICAL GUIDELINES
· Try to ensure that all diets are as varied as possible - in this manner a wider cross-section of natural trace elements will be made available.
· Do not dose with 'pure' vitamins unless under veterinary direction - some pure vitamins, including vitamins A & D, are highly toxic if taken in excess. These should only be used as part of a treatment program to correct a properly diagnosed specific deficiency.
· Provide vitamins orally rather than by injection, where required, unless there are compelling veterinary reasons to the contrary.
· The regular use of a safe, properly formulated multi-vitamin and mineral preparation will ensure that dietary deficiencies do not occur.
· The best supplements for tortoises are phosphorus-free, contain a wide range of mineral trace elements, include vitamin-D3, and are free of added amino acids.
· If you maintain tortoises outdoors in a geographical zone where natural UV-B irradiation closely approximates that of the habitat in nature, then you many not need to provide additional oral D3 supplementation, though calcium and other trace elements should still be provided. Keepers in northern climes are generally advised to rely upon oral D3 supplements.
· Artificial UV-B lighting may be used, but fluorescent tubes should be changed regularly (at least every 6-9 months) and multiple tube installations will be necessary to ensure adequate UV-B exposure for most species. The new UV-Heat self-ballasted mercury vapour lamps are excellent, and provide an ideal combination of high levels of UV-B and UV-A, with good quality visible spectrum rendering, with radiant heat for basking and improved vitamin D3 synthesis.
· Carnivorous turtles, and tortoises with a high degree of omnivory, will receive a significant proportion of their D3 needs from the animal protein proportion of their diet.
· Aim for a high calcium, low phosphorous content diet.
· Avoid plants high in oxalic or phytic acid.