Calcium

[hambino]

So I recently became aware that I need to start incorporating calcium into my little baby leopards diet, what is the best / easiest way to go about doing this? And also what are the side effects of not having enough calcium or having too much?

 

[leigti]

You can put a cuttlebone in the enclosure. You can scrape the cuttlebone onto his food. You can also buy calcium carbonate powder at the store. A tortoise can get metabolic bone disease if they do not have enough calcium. I'm not sure what would happen if they have to much, possibly kidney stones? But I could be wrong on that one. I think most people here sprinkle calcium onto the food about three times a week or so. And have a cuttlebone in there all the time.

 

[hambino]

Where do I find so called cuttlebone and what exactly am I looking for as far as calcium carbonate powder? Is there certain things or types to avoid?

 

[leigti]

You can find cuttlebone in the bird section of the pet store. you can also find the calcium in the reptile section. i'm sorry I don't know any brands right now. But someone will come along soon to be more specific.

 

[leigti]

here's an example of cuttlebone and calcium supplement.

 

[christinaland128]

My torts like this stuff... It smells like blueberry! . http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0004E85CW/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[hambino]

Hey guys thank you so much for helping me out it's highly appreciated, how often do you guys give your little critters calcium? And with that liquid stuff how do you use it? Do you just put a couple drops on their food once a week or so?

 

[Tom]

How often and how much depends on the diet and conditions to some degree. For a baby leopard who is eating a good calcium rich diet, a little pinch on the food twice a week should be plenty. You can just leave the cuttle bone in the enclosure and your baby can self supplement when it feels the need. Don't be surprised if the cuttle bone sits untouched for months.

 

[Robertchrisroph]

Hello and good day to all. I read I have to remove the backing of the cuttlebone due to its hard and glue. Is this true? Thank you @Tom

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't remove it. Just lay it on the substrate, hard side down.

 

[Robertchrisroph]

thank you, its been a pain popping the back off, so if em eating the backing its okey? thank you again

 

[Tom]

I just use them as is. Some of the bird ones have a metal backing and I would certainly remove that, but the normal "backing" is just part of the cuttlefish bone and its nothing glued on.

 

[Iochroma]

I like the natural approach of a rich and varied diet, with natural-source calcium, and real sunlight.
Pushing calcium can lead to stones. If an animal has been diagnosed with MBD, then, by all means follow the Vet's prescriptions. If there is no deficiency, supplementation with powerful sources like Calcium Magnesium Citrate or NeoCalGluconate can lead to a bunch of problems.
Better to raise healthy veggies and weeds in rich soil, and feed that to yourself and your critters. Feed the soil, and it t will feed you.

 

[Rollininthehay82]

I use calcium powder mixed with canned pumpkin and frozen in an ice tray for treats and have cuttlebones in the enclosure always.