The, Figuring out how to tell if your turtle is dying can be surprisingly tricky. Why does calcium matter so much in the first place? Gravid females (due to their egg laying nature). Most often seen in bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure. Hydration is essential for good health, but it is possible to overdo things. Excessive calcium will lead to overdose and calcium can be unpalatable. Any information found on this website is for entertainment purposes only. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. The disease causes serious bone, muscle, and tissue damage, which can result in paralysis or death. Two, follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer. On the other hand, two or more symptoms are generally a sign that there is indeed a problem. Outside of a laboratory, its going to be impossible to be sure on how much of the calcium dusted onto insects will actually end up consumed. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. Fluker's Repta Calcium. Are the health complications severe, or on the mild side? It can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases, death. Kale is high in calcium and it can be beneficial to the overall balanced diet of the bearded dragon. There are a couple of ways to go about this: You probably would have preferred I gave you an outright amount. Instead, keep it simple. This is one of the best bearded dragon calcium powders on the market. In comparison, broccoli contains only about 47 mg of calcium, while spinach bears 99 mg of the mineral per 100 grams. Here are some of the signs of Hypercalcemia: Excess calcium in the blood causes muscles weakness, so your bearded dragon may look fatigued all the time. Bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. UVB exposure with or without vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia. Bearded Dragon Calcium Overdose. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. Can Bearded Dragons Eat Romaine Lettuce? The liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Most vitamin D3 and calcium supplements will also have phosphorous. For one thing, bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters. Thompson, K. S. 2016. Calcium has lots of important roles in a healthy bearded dragon. Now i dust once a day for 5 times a week. You can space out how many meals are coated in this calcium powder depending on how much calcium your bearded dragon needs. This only happens once for like a second then he is back to normal. A calcium overdose in a bearded dragon can be very serious and even life-threatening. Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. Hypercalcemia will result in your bearded dragon becoming sick and, in some cases, it is fatal. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. Read on for more information on hypercalcemia, how to spot it, and how to prevent your dragon from getting it. While this isnt always a surefire sign that the problem is a calcium overdose, loss of appetite can be related to another issue. Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. In fact, calcium wont be of any importance to your bearded dragon if there is no vitamin D3. There are many ways to keep your bearded dragon safe from lack of calcium and all of its consequences: Many Dragon Keepers wonder why its necessary to give supplements to their bearded dragon when they could just provide calcium via diet and ensure they have correct UVB lighting. If you need calcium that has vitamin D3, the best brands to buy are: Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). If left untreated, a calcium overdose can be fatal. For bearded dragons kept outdoors or a combination of indoor and outdoor housing, it is likely that lower levels of D3 cholecalciferol will be needed. Blackberries and figs are also tasty treats that have plenty of calcium in them as well. If your bearded dragon is doing fine so far (aka not exhibiting any of the symptoms we mentioned above) then dont rush out and change everything. Remove hazards from the cage. Of those which were given blood tests, 57% showed a deviation in the calcium-phosphorus ratio and 63% showed hypocalcaemia. The amount of calcium you give your bearded dragon can be a bit of guesswork for pet owners. Can also be a vitamin D3 overdose. Obtain a significant portion of your dietary intake of calcium from plant-based foods. Simply put, its a powder that contains concentrated calcium (and D3 depending on which product you get) that you sprinkle on their food. Rep-Cal Phosphorous-Free Calcium with Vitamin D Ultrafine Powder. Youll want to ensure your beardie has a good basking spot and a place to get away and cool down. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragon's body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. Changing UVB lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months. This is another great calcium powder for bearded dragons that we really like. Take a look at your enclosure, lighting, and diet to see if theres anything that can be improved. Too much calcium in your blood is referred to as Hypercalcemia. (Baines, 2017). Consult with a vet specializing in reptiles and ensure they know what theyre doing. It contains 8% calcium and 1% magnesium to promote a strong bone structure. Calcium deficiency is often accompanied by vitamin D3 deficiency. Always check with your vet before determining supplements. along with pain for your bearded dragon as the . Don't use any eardrops unless advised so by your vet. Those ages 4 months and below, should be given calcium daily, while juvenile bearded dragons under one year should be given calcium 5 times a week. Yes, you must provide calcium for your bearded dragon. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Bearded dragons are omnivorous reptiles, and as such, their diet consists of a wide variety of items. this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! While it is extremely important to provide calcium in your dragons diet, its a lot more difficult than you may think to make sure they are getting enough calcium. Vitamin D3. Is it possible that it is a result of eating the smallest size crickets from the pet store which are only about like 1/2-3/4 inch while my Shadow needs around 1/4 inch? These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). So it can be hard to gauge exactly how much calcium your dragon is eating based on diet alone. Please answer quick. The calcium loss associated with MBD results in adverse effects and tissue loss when left untreated. Too much calcium in your blood is referred to as Hypercalcemia. (2005). Heat. While some are worse than others, none of them are pleasant. We know tons of owners who swear by this powder, and weve had great success with it as well. Bearded Dragons that don't get enough calcium can suffer from serious health conditions such as metabolic bone disease. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. (2016). Reptile medicine and surgery. Bearded dragons need calcium for the following reasons: Bone development. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Heat? The symptoms can often be subtle that may appear to not be an issue, but in these rare cases, hypercalcemia can be very serious and lead to death. 2. Therefore, we may collect a share of sales from the links on this page, at no extra cost to you! One of the most effective ways to quickly increase the calcium your bearded dragon gets is through supplementation. That is for you and your vet to determine. Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragons body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment, and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs. Most often, symptoms associated with weak and soft limbs indicate a low calcium and or/vitamin D3 in your bearded dragon's body. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. When taking care of a pregnant bearded dragon, you must provide plenty of calcium. I question the use of vitamin supplementation. Lamps below 290 nm are of no use for bearded dragons. Metabolic bone disease (also known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or fibrous osteodystrophy) refers to several painful skeletal disorders that are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. Understanding if bearded dragons like to be pet is important if youre interested in owning these lizards. Dusting salad and insects with a high-quality calcium and D3 supplement is the most effective. The best way to know what is wrong with your bearded dragon is by taking them to the vet. It can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental conditions and diet. The accumulation of calcium salts in arteries and veins can limit blood flow to critical organs such as the brain. The body cannot use calcium unless it has vitamin D3. In the wild, bearded dragons get calcium through a varied diet (much more varied than the diet that can be provided in a domestic setting), and Vitamin D3 comes from their lengthy exposure to natural sunlight. Together they are referred to as calcifediol. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. In: Hand MS, Thatcher CD, Remillard RL, et al, editors. Too much vitamin D3 in the bearded dragons blood increases the absorption of calcium in the gastrointestinal tract. This is a much similar but more severe disorder to that of osteoporosis in humans. As a rule of thumb, a Vitamin D3 supplement can be safely provided about two to three times a week. Respiratory diseases such as pneumonia can cause your dragon to pant. So the early symptoms of calcium deficiency are diverse, and often easily mistaken for other problems. The starting point for the buying guides A quick cheat sheet on the basic of what you need to buy for your bearded dragon, Pick the right sized tank for your bearded dragon that fits your budget. If your beard is more than seven years old, it may be due to age. Veterinary Clinics: Exotic Animal Practice. For most species, 0.1% calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet. Adding calcium-rich foods and providing fewer supplements is also possible, but more challenging to measure the amount of calcium your dragon is getting. A beardie that doesnt get enough of this will suffer (which no one wants). Select foods that can improve the Ca:P ratio and that dont have high levels of anti-nutrients that can block absorption. Why they need it, what happens if you give them too much, and the best sources of calcium are things that many new owners cant answer. If the water is too cold, a bearded dragon can get sick. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen. So now the only other possibilities is calcium overdose or metabolic bone disease. Keep an eye on the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in fruits and veggies. Swelling of lower jaw. A typical baby bearded dragon will "urinate" the most at anywhere from 1 to 3 times daily via passing the white part of the poop (urate). The disease causes serious bone, muscle, and tissue damage, which can result in paralysis or death. Simply revisit the recommended setup guidelines in order to ensure you have everything positioned properly. Divers, S. J., and Stahl, S. J. If the disease is detected early, your vet can help you manage it. Weve hinted at each of them at one point or another above, but this section will take a deeper dive into each. Brain. Use a designated feeder bin, one that's long and shallow. You may find that your dragon doesnt enjoy their favorite foods as often anymore. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. Some ppl talk about too much D3 being detrimental tho. Fluker's is a fantastic company that's been a staple among reptile owners for years. Dragons require high temperature for proper feed digestion so temperature of vivarium should be high enough to proper utilization of feed in intestine (heat lamps orlight generated heat source can be used as if needed) Should be given free access to water to avoid dehydration. Powdered calcium is fairly popular among Dragon Keepers. Calcium is pretty useless without D 3. The amount of calcium in a supplement varies, but most contain around 100-500 mg of calcium. There are eight species of Bearded Dragons, but the most popular one is the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), from the arid to semi-arid southeastern parts of Australia, and we will be discussing the Inland Bearded Dragon in this handout. If left untreated, calcium overdose will quickly become deadly or, at the very least, result in permanent health defects and even bone issues. So this only leaves the calcium overdose. The disease is quite painful and very difficult to reverse. Twobeardieguy. Too much phosphorus or oxalates (oxalic acid) in the diet, Poor lighting, causing a Vitamin D3 deficiency. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. Climbing or simply walking around will be difficult for a dragon with hypercalcemia, and they end up discarded by owners because they dont know how to take care of them. Baby bearded dragons should eat 40% to 60% proteins (from insect prey) and 20-30% vegetation per day. In a conversation on calcium, vitamin D cannot be left out. Mild cases can be treated by proper diet. Therefore, observing the color of the droppings can tell if the beardie needs calcium supplementation. If your bearded dragon is eating kale every day they could start to suffer from calcium issues. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. Calcium is nothing to your dragon without Vitamin D3. Alternatively, you can buy a UV meter to the UVB output of the lamp. Unlike other minerals such as phosphorus, calcium is not something your bearded dragon will receive enough of from their diet. In research by Oonincx et al (2015) the stomach contents of 10 free ranging (wild) Pogona vitticeps were analysed. It's also important for females to form their eggs properly. Oonincx, D. G. A. And if left unchecked, all of these health complications can lead to death. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most frequent illnesses in domestic bearded dragons, although it is completely avoidable with correct nutrition and care. Dandelion greens are some of the most calcium-rich vegetables out there. Other sources for how bearded dragons get calcium in the wild include dried bones, snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust. Copyright 2023 Reptile Maniac. These include: Even with excellent supplementation, its still very important to provide calcium-rich foods for your bearded dragon. Early signs of metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. It's important to note that a bearded dragon's diet should always be supplemented with calcium, as it can't get enough from food alone. Mesh screens reduce the amount of UVB that transmits through it. their bodies will also become stiff, making it difficult for them to move. When you combine that with any other calcium-related efforts, you could end up with an overdose. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine,23(4), 369-379. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heat including amount of exposure to direct sunlight versus artificial UVB. How Often Should You Take Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage? But i dont use Herptivite with beta carotine. This can also be a sign of a bacterial infection such as mouth rot, though the symptoms are very different. Artificial lighting is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice keepers that exaggerate the problem. #2. Used as a relative umbrella term for a wide array of nutritional deficiencies, Metabolic Bone Disease is actually a very common disease associated with domesticated bearded dragons. Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) is rare in bearded dragons, but it can happen, and it can result in illness and death. You should also be measuring the amount of calcium in supplements they are getting in addition to foods that contain calcium. If you notice any of the following symptoms and are worried your bearded dragon has recently consumed too much calcium, get them to a qualified, reputable reptile veterinarian immediately. Bearded dragons do not need calcium every day. The insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon 24 hours prior to feeding them to your dragon. B., Van De Wal, M. D., Bosch, G., Stumpel, J. Yes, bearded dragons can eat fresh kale regularly so long as it is washed and free of pesticides. Keeping them on a regular feeding schedule can help identify digestion issues. John Wiley & Sons. In general, leafy greens tend to pack quite a punch when it comes to calcium. Bearded Dragons need calcium because it's essential to grow and develop bones. Too much phosphorus in the diet removes the calcium from the body. While hypercalcemia is super rare, its better to know the symptoms to watch out for in case you accidentally give them too much. Why Do Ball Pythons Yawn & Should You Be Worried? Bearded dragons do NOT urinate in the same manner as what you typically think other animals do it. A mistake people often make is not taking the time to research how much their beardie needs depending on their age and size. If possible, consider dusting more docile insects like roaches instead of crickets. Delight Your Reptile with Our Premium Dubia Roaches! This process is often called dusting among owners, so if you see that mentioned in a forum or on social media youll know whats being talked about. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but its so easily preventable with proper diet and care. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. It plays a huge role in their ability to grow and maintain bone health over time. The nutritional demands of adults is 1.5:1 and in egg laying periods it reaches up to the level of 10:1. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. We'll Fix it. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Calcium is essential for growth in bearded dragons. Calcium is an essential mineral for bearded dragons, and is important for their overall health. This is obviously a step in the right direction since its another effective and natural way for them to get calcium into their system. The worth thing you can do is overcompensate and fix a problem that didnt exist in the first place! Something thats important to note is that too much calcium is only a problem when theres too much vitamin D3 as well. Foods substantial in calcium, such as green vegetables, cranberries, squash, feeder insects, alfalfa sprouts, kelp, papayas, and wheatgrass, are ideal for pregnant bearded dragons. [Answered]. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? I noticed him do this 3 times, once every other day, for the past week that ive had him. Food alone isnt going to provide them with everything they need. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heating, Biological stage of the animal, i.e. This is why youll see these talked about in tandem throughout this article. Expert Note: Its worth pointing out that even though these symptoms can present with a deficiency in calcium too, its going to be pretty obvious what the cause is.If youre actively trying to give your bearded dragon more calcium, its probably an overdose. If your bearded dragon is deficient in calcium, any of the following could be the culprit: Dragons who suffer from metabolic bone disease have trouble doing the simplest of tasks, like walking, because their tissue is deteriorating and their bones are soft and easily breakable. Digestive system. This particularly applies when the bearded dragon is on a calcium-rich diet. A comparison of UV b compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons. Risk of Hypercalcemia.