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Why is calcium important for reptiles?
Growth demands a lot of calcium to support lengthening bones as the lizard grows. As the lizard becomes an adult, the amount of calcium required is reduced as they are no longer growing. Female lizards also need extra calcium when they reach reproductive age. The ovaries and eggs require huge amounts of calcium.
How do reptiles use calcium?
Feed approximately 12 dusted crickets per week for every 2.5 ounces of body weight. Herbivores: Add approximately 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 cc) Repti Calcium to food for every 5 ounces of body weight on a weekly basis.
Can you give your reptile too much calcium?
Giving a reptile a large dose of calcium is not the same as giving it a smaller amount with each feeding. The importance of calcium in reptile nutrition is of high concern. Calcium deficiency is a common problem, especially with reptiles pressured into longer-than-natural breeding seasons.
Why do reptiles need calcium and phosphorus?
A ratio of 2:1 calcium to phosphorus is desirable in growing reptiles and 1.5:1 for adults. Calcium deficiency causes nutritional osteodystrophy, or metabolic bone disease, and is often accompanied by deficiency in vitamin D3.
Is D3 bad for reptiles?
The next most often asked question is, “Can all reptiles use vitamin D3 supplemented in the diet?” The answer is, no. Many carnivorous reptiles, such as snakes, will absorb vitamin D3 from their prey items and don’t need to make it on their own.
What is reptile calcium made of?
Calcium Carbonate Supplement
Reptile Calcium is an ultra fine Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Supplement. It is a phosphorus-free calcium supplement for reptiles and amphibians. It has a unique shape/high surface area per gram resulting in increased calcium bioavailability.
Does bearded dragon need calcium?
Do I need to give my bearded dragons vitamins and minerals? Bearded dragons have a higher need for dietary calcium than phosphorus, especially when they are young and their bones are growing.
Can bearded dragons absorb calcium through skin?
3. They Need UV Light, Heat and Moisture. Supplying adequate ultraviolet (UV) light during the day will help ensure that beardies can make vitamin D in their skin, which allows them to absorb both calcium and phosphorus from their food.
Why do reptiles need vitamin D3?
This compound plays an essential role in calcium metabolism by controlling blood calcium levels. If supplementation was not used, a calcium crash could happen. Although vital to the well-being of reptiles, UV exposure plays many more roles in the body than the D3 cycle alone.
What type of calcium is best for bearded dragons?
Generally, veterinarians recommend that 2-3 times per week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food offered to bearded dragons with a calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) not containing vitamin D3, and an additional 2-3 times a week, you LIGHTLY sprinkle food with a calcium powder containing vitamin D3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xw8QMvNSQA
Why do reptiles and amphibians need so much calcium?
Reptiles, amphibians, and other pets require calcium for strong and healthy bones, including teeth as well as for other physiological functions like muscle functioning, nerve impulse transmission, heartbeat regulation, metabolism, among others.
What can I give my pet reptiles for calcium?
Calcium can be supplemented orally or can be injected. Also, injections of vitamins A, D, and E can help jump-start calcium absorption by the gut.
Why do lizards need calcium in their diet?
Because we cannot replicate the exact diet of our captive lizards we have to “supplement” it with other vitamins and minerals, calcium in particular is the one most often lacking and sending numerous reptiles to the veterinarian. Believe it or not, lizards don’t get their prey items dusted in the wild at the local calcium store.
What do you need to know about reptile vitamins?
It may be an adequate source of calcium, but calcium should be dusted on insects to balance the calcium-phosphorus ratio, not poured on salads. The carotenoids/antioxidants may enhance color, but overall they provide little nutritional value.