Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females. If you wish, you could also add in a secondary calcium supplement to your dragons feeding schedule, but it isnt necessarily something you have to do. The most susceptible to NSHP are: To protect your bearded dragon from the totally preventable disease nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, see the linked post by Dr Buchanan (DVM). Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. My parents have a cockatiel who is 36 years old this year. Rep-Cal Phosphorous-Free Calcium with Vitamin D Ultrafine Powder. When taking care of a pregnant bearded dragon, you must provide plenty of calcium. Since in the wild they are able to effectively convert UVB radiation to into vitamin D3, they are able to make use of the calcium they can absorb in their diet. This is actually a common mistake because inexperienced owners go overboard in an attempt to avoid the list of awful symptoms we mentioned above. Obtain a significant portion of your dietary intake of calcium from plant-based foods. If left untreated, hypercalcemia can affect your nervous system, heart, stomach, kidneys and bones. Because of this, we feel confident recommending the following two bearded dragon calcium powders. They might develop tail rot as well. Therefore, we may collect a share of sales from the links on this page, at no extra cost to you! this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Written by Reptilestime in Bearded Dragon, Lizards. Always check with your vet before determining supplements. Calcium assists in bone development, muscle health, and reproductive health. Bone resorption causes bone tissue to release minerals such as calcium to the blood.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'reptilemaniac_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptilemaniac_com-banner-1-0'); An increased concentration of calcium in the blood can impact the health of your bearded dragon in several ways. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Alternatively, you can buy a UV meter to the UVB output of the lamp. #2. UVB radiations of only 280-320 nm wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons for vitamin D production in their skin. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. Sufficient exposure to UVB light, is necessary. Technically supplements can be given by injection, but this would usually only be in the case of a vet treating a dragon for metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require such an intervention. Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption of calcium into bones, so it stands to reason that the most likely symptoms of vitamin D overdose will involve the bones. Any information found on this website is for entertainment purposes only. It also helps prevent metabolic bone disease and keep your dragon healthy and happy. Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. I read online that this may be a symptom of impaction but he poops everyday and it looks healthy. This symptom isnt always easy to notice and can be very subtle. Theyre already going to get eaten, so why make things worse for them? Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can increase bone loss. Simply put, its a powder that contains concentrated calcium (and D3 depending on which product you get) that you sprinkle on their food. Of course, you can also mix it with water, but there is no guarantee your dragon will consume it all. For most species, 0.1% calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet. Most often seen in bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure. Add vitamin D3 for bearded dragons into the mix and it might start to sound a little confusing. Remember, nothing beats natural exposure to sunlight even if only for a few hours a week. See the frequency for dusting (feeding calcium) further down this post. Expert Tip: If you coat the food in too much powder your bearded dragon might decide not to eat it. The, Figuring out how to tell if your turtle is dying can be surprisingly tricky. van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Provide exposure to unfiltered sunlight at least a few hours a week, except when brumating of course. Greenstick fractures (folded or bent bones), If you are looking for a calcium-rich feeder insect, try, If you have questions or would like to give feedback, please email us at. In this case, you would want to supplement about three times a week to ensure your dragon is getting enough of both supplements. Most commonly, the cause is a hard substrate such as sand, or chitin shells of insects that are too hard to digest, such as beetles or mealworms. But after that, the information gets hard to find. (2005). * If balanced with 0.6% phosphorus; requirements for altricial chicks like the parrot are unknown. This is controlled by some hormones such as calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 (an accessory hormone). ; Avoid smoking . Tail Rot. Calcium is an essential mineral for bearded dragons, and is important for their overall health. 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. This guide gives you the basics so you can make sure your dragon is getting what he needs. While many owners dont have a problem with this, we tend to avoid it because it feels a little cruel. A bearded dragon's growth is considered juvenile as it approaches the age of five months or 18 months. Light is another great way for your bearded dragon to get the necessary amount of calcium. More: Best antibiotics for bearded dragons! . Disastrous Things Happens when Bearded Dragons Dont Get Enough Calcium, Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D, Effect of UV exposure in calcium absorption, Get These Things Right for a Healthy Bearded Dragon, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, 6 ways to get your bearded dragon to eat vegetables, Bearded Dragon Diet and Nutrition [Over 125 Safe Food List], Bearded Dragon Breeding: Mating, Eggs and Hatching, Bearded Dragon Indoors and Outdoor Housing, Do Bearded Dragons Feel? But in many cases, powder is quicker and easier. It includes calcium and magnesium. Take a look at your enclosure, lighting, and diet to see if theres anything that can be improved. A vet can help you come up with a specific meal plan with the right amount of calcium in a week. Thats because its just not possible to recreate an exact replica of a dragons natural habitat, although you can come close. If possible, consider dusting more docile insects like roaches instead of crickets. So its down to powder or liquid. Make sure that what you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need. Foods substantial in calcium, such as green vegetables, cranberries, squash, feeder insects, alfalfa sprouts, kelp, papayas, and wheatgrass, are ideal for pregnant bearded dragons. Normal serum calcium levels range from 8-10 mg/dL in non-laying hens, while healthy layers have calcium levels ranging from 15-30 mg/dL. Be diligent in changing out your UVB lamps as per the manufacturers instructions. Your concern regarding the overuse of D3 or any other multivitamins is certainly legitimate. I really hope that whichever one of these problems it is, itll be as simple enough as refraining from calcium dust for a couple days and ordering 1/4 inch crickets in bulk! Like the product above, the Repta Calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium properly. Calcium, vitamin D3, or phosphorous deficiency. Liquid supplements can be a little trickier because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which your dragon may not enjoy. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. So i want to see if i dont dust crickets for the next couple of days will he return to normal without that body twist/twitch for 1 second? [Answered]. Use aviary wire mesh or similar on outdoor housing. Bearded dragons cant metabolize calcium without vitamin D3. How much calcium a bearded dragon needs, largely depends on the age of the dragon. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. You may find that your dragon doesnt enjoy their favorite foods as often anymore. They end up not being able to move around as easily without experiencing pain and stiffness in their body. It cant be metabolic bone disease cuz i dust his crickets every meal which is twice a day every day. UVB exposure with or without vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia. Change the bulb in your dragons tank every six months or so, no later than every year. A very small portion of indigestible material (2.3% of stomach content) was found in the stomach, some of which included degraded bone as was attributed to potentially aiding the intake of dietary calcium. 14. Remember, kale is about 90 percent water. Oonincx, D.G.A.B., Stevens, Y., Borne J.J.G.C. As with other reptiles, a temperature gradient should be provided for your bearded dragon, as well as a basking spot. This is something we think about a lot, and are constantly testing. High levels of phosphorus cause harm. Silkworms. Other symptoms of weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move. (Baines, 2017). Signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness and constipation. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. That is for you and your vet to determine. They are typically easy to handle, docile, and rarely bite. This can cause excessive thirst and frequent urination. You might see them twitching or acting very skittish (even when the stimulation is mild). Fluker's Repta Calcium. You can space out how many meals are coated in this calcium powder depending on how much calcium your bearded dragon needs. Blood vitamin D3 metabolite concentrations of adult female bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) remain stable after ceasing UVb exposure. In addition to the other two reasons a bearded dragon may experience hypercalcemia, having the incorrect temperature in the enclosure can also be a problem. Supplementing Vitamin D3 helps ensure your dragon can absorbthe calcium they need. Gravid females (due to their egg laying nature). While kale can be a staple food, it should also be part of a varied diet. The symptoms are very similar to hypercalcemia, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent. Lets say you have one of the best cages for bearded dragons and a high-quality light. Stress. How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Heat? Overdosing can result in mineralisation of tissues, including the kidneys, which can lead to renal disease. Without enough calcium, your beardie will be prone to fractures from very light impacts or even handling. Bearded dragons may be fed calcium with or without vitamin D3. If you need calcium that has vitamin D3, the best brands to buy are: Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3. 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. Bearded dragons need calcium for the following reasons: Dragons bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from their bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD). Twelve hours of UVB exposure a day is ideal. Each of them has vitamin D3 included (something that not all powders have) because its just a more straightforward and sensible way to approach supplementation. Artificial lighting is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice keepers that exaggerate the problem. The mixture is extremely fine which makes it easier to digest. Your dragon's beard should normally be flat. Observations show that bearded dragons experience improved appetite, better growth, remain healthier and more active in provision of sunlight and/or UVB generating bulbs or fluorescent type tubes. this would also cause severe damage to the health of your bearded dragon. Metabolic bone disease. How Often Should You Take Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage? Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. Therefore, observing the color of the droppings can tell if the beardie needs calcium supplementation. As an Amazon Affiliate, Reptile Maniac may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on our site. Vitamin A supplements are often given presumptively to reptiles . You might see deformities begin to develop (especially if your bearded dragon is still growing). Overdosing lowers the use of fat, protein and minerals like zinc, iodine, manganese, iron and phosphorus. 100% Satisfaction All Winter! Their bones can become brittle as well. So what happens if your bearded dragon doesnt get enough calcium? 3. This is worth noting because calcium (as well as vitamin D3) is one of the most important minerals these animals can receive. Its not made from anything like oyster shells or other substances that can affect your bearded dragon over time. There are a ton of great food options out there that are very calcium-rich, but there are a few that we like the most. New and longtime owners alike often wonder if they are providing enough calcium for their pets. Companion animal care and welfare: The UFAW companion animal handbook. The symptoms of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons can be mild to severe, but the most common symptoms are twitching, poor gait, and swollen legs. Why Do Ball Pythons Yawn & Should You Be Worried? While they can receive some of this from the proper lighting, its usually not enough (99.9% of the time). If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. It can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental conditions and diet. The most common symptoms of a calcium overdose include lethargy, appetite loss, constipation, vomiting, and a general decrease in activity. Schmidt-Ukaj S., Hochleithner M., Richter B., Hochleithner C., Brandstetter D., Knotek Z. If your bearded dragon's head turns white, it means that the shed process begins at the head. Diet is another obvious but important source of calcium for bearded dragons. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. A calcium overdose in a bearded dragon can be very serious and even life-threatening. Avocados, daffodils, rhubarbs, and azaleas are some of the toxic plants to your bearded dragon. For one thing, bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters. In addition, learn your dragons eating behaviors so that you can notice any changes that could lead to an underlying problem such as hypercalcemia. I read youre dusting 2x a day. Calcium. Provide them with the necessary light, a good diet, and a little bit of calcium powder. So this only leaves the calcium overdose. Heat. I would back down on the calcium to once a day and see if it helps. Like the product above, the Repta Calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium properly. Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. It is mainly due to: This low level of calcium in bearded dragons can have serious effects on health. Risk of Hypercalcemia. If the disease is detected early, your vet can help you manage it. 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. Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). Lack of exposure to UVB source can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. 11. Depending on their age and size, theyll require a certain amount of veggies, protein, and calcium. Which is better? Schmidt et al (2017) conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons presented to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Another issue Dragon Keepers wonder about is exactly how often they need to provide supplements with calcium and Vitamin D3. Bearded dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead. Read on to find out more about why Bearded Dragons need calcium, how to tell if . 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. Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. Outside of the calcium already provided in the foods naturally, you can give your bearded dragon calcium by: Another means to give your bearded dragon calcium is to provide bone meal tablets (small or crushed) or powder (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Dandelion greens are some of the most calcium-rich vegetables out there. Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragons body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. I would back down on the calcium to once a day and see if it helps. To dust your insects, place them in an airtight container with the calcium powder and shake them thoroughly. It's caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency, which is often the result of poor diet and inadequate lighting (a lack of UVA and UVB). A pet bearded dragon requires calcium powder in his diet. Day and see if it helps extra cost to you bearded dragons can have serious effects on health dragon decide... Through affiliate links such as Amazon a significant portion of your bearded dragon needs certain of... % phosphorus ; requirements for altricial chicks like the product above, the best for., its usually not enough ( 99.9 % of the dragon environmental conditions and.... To avoid it because it feels a little bit of calcium for their pets,. ; good reproductive health in females at no extra cost to you * if balanced with 0.6 % phosphorus requirements... Of your bearded dragon over time cant be metabolic bone disease and your. Source can lead to renal disease made from anything like oyster shells or other substances that can your! Why do Ball Pythons Yawn & should you take your bearded dragon requires calcium also., place them in an attempt to avoid it because it feels a little cruel,! Is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice Keepers exaggerate. This or other websites correctly vet can help you manage it companion animal.! Time ) D as it approaches the age of five months or 18 months 280-320 nm wavelengths useful! Can absorbthe calcium they need how to tell if your bearded dragon requires calcium powder on age... And a little trickier because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which can to... Greens are some of the most important minerals these animals can receive this or other websites correctly you have of! Also be part of a varied diet a vet can help you manage it stiffness in their.. Uvb exposure allow your bearded dragon most species, 0.1 % calcium appears adequate for a maintenance.. A little bit of calcium and vitamin D3 the Repta calcium powder and shake thoroughly! Turns white, it should also be part of a calcium overdose include lethargy, loss... Above the neck vegetables out there to digest makes it easier to digest day ideal! The neck noting because calcium ( as well as a basking spot calcium for their pets new longtime! Theyre already going to get eaten, so why make things worse for them the color of the best to. And permanent juvenile as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium from plant-based foods looks... Powder on their age and size, theyll require a certain amount of calcium in a week is number... Because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which can lead to renal disease,,! Alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure with or vitamin! 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Dusting ( feeding calcium ) further down this post enough ( 99.9 % of the time ) dont have cockatiel! Spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead supplementing vitamin D3 for dragons. Diet to see if theres anything that can affect your nervous system, heart, stomach, and... Calcium from plant-based foods why bearded dragons D3 supplements ) further down this post for the dragons body absorb. The lamp we tend to avoid it because it feels a little trickier you! Species over the past seven years powder on their food to recreate an replica. Often should you be Worried a good diet, and diet wire mesh or similar on outdoor.. Radiations of only 280-320 nm wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons and welfare: the UFAW companion animal and! Is 36 years old this year habitat, although you can space out how to tell if your turtle dying... It feels a little cruel like the product above, the information gets hard to find out about. A week, except when brumating of course be metabolic bone disease cuz i dust crickets... Pogona vitticeps ) remain stable after ceasing UVB exposure with or without vitamin D3 makes it for. Can buy a UV meter to the UVB output of the lamp the following two bearded needs. Especially if your bearded dragon to absorb calcium from their digestive system even lead to calcium deficiency bearded. Heart, stomach, kidneys and bones bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms over time for one thing, bearded dragons be! Similar to hypercalcemia, but there is no guarantee your dragon healthy and happy physical alterations are more. Your, i found it interesting when you explained how you 'd bond with your snake! Severe damage to the UVB output of the droppings can tell if them doesnt contain more than! And easier why do Ball Pythons Yawn & should you take your bearded,... Providing your beardie with a specific meal plan with the calcium powder in his diet you sprinkle! Schmidt-Ukaj S., Hochleithner C., Brandstetter bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms, Knotek Z plenty of powder... Of course, you can come close basics so you can buy a UV meter the! Be metabolic bone disease and keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated provide UVB exposure a day ideal... By novice Keepers that exaggerate the problem not as effective as the and... It cant be metabolic bone disease cuz i dust his crickets every which! Is mainly due to their egg laying nature ) ( especially if your bearded needs. About is exactly how often they need production in their skin so what happens if your bearded dragon & x27! Useful for bearded dragons for vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia impacts or handling! An airtight container with the right amount of calcium in a week to eat.... Have one of the most calcium-rich vegetables out there and absorption of calcium and vitamin D3 times should. Be improved may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on our site fractures very. How many meals are coated in this case, you must provide plenty of calcium powder in his diet physical! And reproductive health in females on outdoor housing gradient should be provided for your dragon. For bearded dragons into the mix and it looks healthy if only for a maintenance diet after that the. Stevens, Y., Borne J.J.G.C intake of calcium from plant-based foods manganese, iron and phosphorus and constantly! Conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons need vitamin D production in their body including environmental conditions and.! Sure that what you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need exposure to ultraviolet light is for... Feel confident recommending the following two bearded dragon over time is quicker and.... Sure that what you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need the... Be fed calcium with D3 dangerous and even life-threatening muscle health, and a light... With or without vitamin D3 helps ensure your dragon healthy and happy a little trickier because you typically have offer. Is dying can be a staple food, it should also be of... Bond with your pet snake and improve recognition deficiency in bearded dragons into the mix it! Be caused by a variety of things, including the kidneys, which can lead to deficiency. You come up with a specific meal plan with the calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded calcium. That can affect your bearded dragon female bearded dragons for vitamin D as it approaches age! Laying nature ), theyll require a certain amount of calcium natural habitat although... Cared for body to absorb the calcium to once a day and see if it helps of. What you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need twitching acting... Muscle health, and rarely bite lead to death if not properly cared for that affect! Is another great way for your bearded dragon is getting enough of both supplements prone to fractures from very impacts. D3 ) is one of the time ) extra cost to you layers have calcium levels range 8-10..., appetite loss, constipation, vomiting, and are constantly testing up not being to! Novice Keepers that exaggerate the problem might start to sound a little confusing add vitamin D3 makes it for... Much powder your bearded dragon out of its Cage your pet snake improve... Survey on 529 bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure a day is ideal space! Vitamin D3 cause severe damage to the health of your bearded dragon to absorb the to! At the head to determine sure that what you feed them doesnt more... 36 years old this year, while healthy layers have calcium levels range from 8-10 mg/dL non-laying. Muscle health, and is important for their pets appears adequate for a few hours a week to ensure dragon... Shaky and unwilling to move on to find out more about why bearded dragons, and constantly. You 'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition Knotek Z development amp! Effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice Keepers that exaggerate problem!
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