Always check with your vet before determining supplements. If left untreated, hypercalcemia can affect your nervous system, heart, stomach, kidneys and bones. While a domesticated bearded dragon is more likely to live longer than a wild one, theyre still missing out on crucial nutrients for proper growth and development that they normally get from their natural habitat. So the early symptoms of calcium deficiency are diverse, and often easily mistaken for other problems. You can space out how many meals are coated in this calcium powder depending on how much calcium your bearded dragon needs. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Other vitamins. You can fill the pool with elbows up to the elbows. The disease is quite painful and very difficult to reverse. Hypervitaminosis A is a nutritional disorder, an overload of vitamin A, which in reptiles can be iatrogenically induced by injection of vitamin A to reptiles suspected of having hypovitaminosis A. Its also important to note that weakness can be a sign of the enclosure being too hot or too cold. Bearded dragons will do best with sunlight. There are a couple of ways to go about this: You probably would have preferred I gave you an outright amount. UVB radiations of only 280-320 nm wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons for vitamin D production in their skin. Keeping them on a regular feeding schedule can help identify digestion issues. Dubia roaches ate a hole in the egg cartons. This is a powder that we recommend giving a little extra love before using it. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. Lets say you have one of the best cages for bearded dragons and a high-quality light. If these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die (although this is less common). this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Soft tissue mineralisation, muscle calcification and hardening of muscles occurs. I read online that this may be a symptom of impaction but he poops everyday and it looks healthy. For tricks of the trade (so to speak) to get your bearded dragon to eat greens see the post on. It also helps prevent metabolic bone disease and keep your dragon healthy and happy. Therefore, observing the color of the droppings can tell if the beardie needs calcium supplementation. The Bearded Dragon is a well-known lizard and currently considered one of the best pet lizards. We know tons of owners who swear by this powder, and weve had great success with it as well. This is another great calcium powder for bearded dragons that we really like. 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. 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. And you definitely dont want to worry about powder being all over thetank afterwards, or feeder insects shaking the powder off as your dragon chases them (crickets are notorious for this). When you combine that with any other calcium-related efforts, you could end up with an overdose. This condition is more pronounced in baby dragons as need more amount of calcium to build their developing and growing skeleton. The, Figuring out how to tell if your turtle is dying can be surprisingly tricky. This species cant get all their calcium from supplementation alone! In this case, you would want to supplement about three times a week to ensure your dragon is getting enough of both supplements. along with pain for your bearded dragon as the . Combination supplements. Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. You need to get a calcium supplement that doesn't have D3 in it. ; Avoid smoking . Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. It could be anything even a neurological problem. How often a bearded dragon urinates is going to vary for each pet. A diurnal lizard, bearded dragons are awake and active during the daytime. Its easy to use, and all you really have to do is dust your dragons insects or other food with it. This guide gives you the basics so you can make sure your dragon is getting what he needs. A regular vet isnt going to be as knowledgeable. An excess of vitamin D3 results in increased bone resorption. Most often seen in bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure. 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? The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. 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. In fact, we would say almost all soon-to-be or inexperienced owners know this. Swelling of lower jaw. Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragons blood is above the normal limit. Use a designated feeder bin, one that's long and shallow. This is worth noting because calcium (as well as vitamin D3) is one of the most important minerals these animals can receive. Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Juveniles typically facing low dietary calcium intake or Calcium deprivation. Foods substantial in calcium, such as green vegetables, cranberries, squash, feeder insects, alfalfa sprouts, kelp, papayas, and wheatgrass, are ideal for pregnant bearded dragons. Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). Sometimes a picky beardie will eat only selective veggies from his feeding dish and avoid the others that may be more nutritive. Vitamin D3 given as a supplement orally is not as effective as it is from giving access to sunlight without any barriers between the UVB and the bearded dragon. Pro Tip: If you are looking for a calcium-rich feeder insect, try Dubia roaches. Theres a long list of nasty health issues that your bearded dragon can develop if it doesnt get the necessary amount of calcium. There are a ton of different calcium powders you can use for your bearded dragon. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. Unfortunately, it can be very problematic if they ingest an excessive amount of calcium. A comparison of UV b compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons. Youll want the enclosure to be at 75-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day (24-29 celcius) with the basking spot between 88-100 degrees fahrenheit (31-38 celcius). Its also best to check with a vet who will be able to determine the right amount. These symptoms alone arent always a sign of hypercalcemia. Their bones can become brittle as well. If things get worse, this will likely swing the other way. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most frequent illnesses in domestic bearded dragons, although it is completely avoidable with correct nutrition and care. Something thats important to note is that too much calcium is only a problem when theres too much vitamin D3 as well. Ask your vet how much water is recommended for your bearded dragon's situation, and make sure the water bowl isn't too deep. We know how much you love your Dragon and we want to make it easy to show how much you care. Too much calcium is called hypercalcemia, and this condition happens in lizards when they eat more than their bodies need. One setback to using calcium powder: it can be a messy business. Lamps below 290 nm are of no use for bearded dragons. Blackberries and figs are also tasty treats that have plenty of calcium in them as well. #2. This only happens once for like a second then he is back to normal. Depending on the age of a beardie, they may require more or less for growth purposes. This symptom isn't always easy to notice and can be very subtle. NAVO Revised. Som. 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). It cant be metabolic bone disease cuz i dust his crickets every meal which is twice a day every day. Bearded dragons do NOT urinate in the same manner as what you typically think other animals do it. Some ppl talk about too much D3 being detrimental tho. How to Keep Your Iguana Healthy, Happy and Safe! They may also tire easily and need to rest more often than usual. Picture this: 100 grams of these greens contain up to 187 mg of calcium. So this only leaves the calcium overdose. ANd i am refraining from the use of calcium for 2 days just in case. The exact content of the bone meal tablets varies with manufacturer. Like the product above, the Repta Calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium properly. Bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms. In comparison, broccoli contains only about 47 mg of calcium, while spinach bears 99 mg of the mineral per 100 grams. Read on for more information on hypercalcemia, how to spot it, and how to prevent your dragon from getting it. 2. Toxic bugs and plants can cause the quick death of a bearded dragon. What calcium-rich foods are good for your bearded dragon? Rickets and osteoporosis in Xenopus laevis. Hydration is essential for good health, but it is possible to overdo things. One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. Check the ingredients of the food before supplementing. While bearded dragons are naturally pretty hardy, that isn't to say that they can't develop serious health issues! Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. Dead bugs? Best calcium supplements with and without vitamin D3. If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Keep reading to learn how to save your bearded dragon from this potentially fatal disease. Bearded Dragons need calcium because it's essential to grow and develop bones. Bearded dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead. Lethargy and weakness can be a sign of many potential health complications, and its no different with a calcium deficiency. De Vosjoil, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S., & Klingenberg, R. J. Your concern regarding the overuse of D3 or any other multivitamins is certainly legitimate. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. As you can see by the image below, it is impossible to know just how much calcium you will end up feeding your bearded dragon. Thats because its just not possible to recreate an exact replica of a dragons natural habitat, although you can come close. 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). It includes calcium and magnesium. Bones and muscles. It also helps prevent metabolic bone disease and keep your dragon healthy and happy. And on the surface, they all look pretty much the same. One case where you may want to select a liquid supplement over a powder would be if your dragon steadily refuses to eat or finish her food. I read youre dusting 2x a day. Phosphorus should not be fed more than its recommended limits for bearded dragons. This was discussed in your other thread. This is one of the best bearded dragon calcium powders on the market. To dust your insects, place them in an airtight container with the calcium powder and shake them thoroughly. You dont want to feed your dragon foods that have a very high phosphorus content compared to the calcium content, as this will deplete your dragons calcium supply. The most common result of a calcium deficiency is called Metabolic Bone Disease. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Twobeardieguy. Vitamin D3. These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). If left untreated, a calcium overdose can be fatal. This time, muscle calcification . Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. For most species, 0.1% calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet. If you need calcium that has vitamin D3, the best brands to buy are: Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3. Metabolic Bone Disease. 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. Create your own wipes to clean your bearded dragon's enclosure and furniture. Resulting most frequently from a lack of calcium and/or Vitamin D3, MBD can be life threatening if left unattended. Bearded dragons can make excellent, entertaining, easy-to-care for pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment. Setting up the lighting and heating well provides a solid foundation to build a healthy bearded dragon from. Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females, Dragons bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from their bones, causing, (MBD). The rest should take care of itself! Oonincx, D. G. A. (5 weight loss tips). Beardies are prone to diarrhea. Being transparent (such as glass) does not mean it allows UVB rays to pass through it. There have been reports of some lumps here and there, so we always like to grind it up a little bit more just to be safe. Simply put, its a powder that contains concentrated calcium (and D3 depending on which product you get) that you sprinkle on their food. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heat including amount of exposure to direct sunlight versus artificial UVB. Other symptoms of weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move. This particularly applies when the bearded dragon is on a calcium-rich diet. 4. It is mainly due to: This low level of calcium in bearded dragons can have serious effects on health. their bodies will also become stiff, making it difficult for them to move. growing, gravid, The amount of calcium that sticks to the food, Ineffective or absent gut loading of insects, Amount of phosphorus o Level of anti-nutrients that can bind calcium (oxalates) or decrease absorption (phytic acid), Keep diets low in phosphorus and calcium binding oxalates and phytates. Donoghue, S. ARAV (2015) Companion Reptile Care Series. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. Below is a list of the most common diseases in bearded dragons. Brain. The accumulation of calcium salts in arteries and veins can limit blood flow to critical organs such as the brain. Lethargy is often characterized by inactivity and unresponsiveness. Your dragon may not eat her food if it's too heavily dusted, so it's best to keep it on the light side. Too much phosphorus in the diet removes the calcium from the body. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. If your bearded dragon has stopped eating greens or perhaps never started then there are a few tricks you can put in place. Its important to read the instructions when setting up their lighting situation. Try to provide a mix of these instead of just one or two (variety is important when it comes to diet). If you have a proper UVB light the dragon will actually create and regulate it's own D3, and yes D3 poisoning can be very bad. Like the product above, the Repta Calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to absorb the calcium properly. Give them a light dusting and feed them. 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. With younger adults aged between a year and two, giving them calcium 4 times a week is enough, while more mature ones need calcium supplements 3 . Learn more. Nutritional deficiencies are a significant cause of MBD. You can also do something called gut loading which involves you feeding insects (like crickets) a very calcium-rich diet, and even including some calcium supplements as well. [sentience and science], 5 Ways to Tame a Bearded Dragon [& how to stop biting], Is my Bearded Dragon Fat or Skinny? Why does your bearded dragon need calcium in the first place? Calcium overdose symptoms look similar to calcium deficiency wherein the muscles are affected first. If youre trying to increase the amount of calcium your bearded dragon gets, there are a number of ways you can accomplish this. This means that when one is rich in the diet, the level of other will be low and vice versa. You may find that your dragon doesnt enjoy their favorite foods as often anymore. Bearded Dragon Accessories and Enriching Life, 7 Tips to get Bearded Dragon to Eat Vegetables [& Refusal]. They should get 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Stress. A pet bearded dragon requires calcium powder in his diet. These include: Even with excellent supplementation, its still very important to provide calcium-rich foods for your bearded dragon. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. Some calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause GI issues in your reptile. What it all comes down to is creating a happy and healthy life for your pets and ours. They are by UVB (either sunlight or artificial lighting) and in the diet (food and supplementation). This just means you need to ease off on the seasoning a bit! Muscle contractions. 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. Buying calcium powder both with and without cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting. Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and it can help prevent kidney stones. Taking excessive amounts of calcium from supplements in amounts from 1.5 to 16.5 grams per day long-term can raise calcium levels in your blood above normal, which could develop into hypercalcemia. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. How much calcium a bearded dragon needs, largely depends on the age of the dragon. Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? Light is another great way for your bearded dragon to get the necessary amount of calcium. 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. 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. Hypocalcaemia is low levels calcium in the blood. 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. Exo Terra Reptile Calcium with vitamin D3. (2016). Get all their calcium from supplementation alone 20 minutes at a time help. Making it difficult for them to move a wide array of bodily in... D3 supplements that sticks to the food being detrimental tho so the early symptoms of calcium deficiency is metabolic. Can limit blood flow to critical organs such as glass ) does not mean it allows UVB rays to through. Much D3 being detrimental tho cant get all their calcium from the use of calcium untreated, hypercalcemia can your! Calcium properly ate a hole in the diet, bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms level of calcium build... The first place that when one is rich in the diet removes the calcium powder: can! Diverse, and diet to see if theres anything that can be very problematic if they ingest excessive! Result of a calcium overdose can be a messy business of UV b compact lamps enabling... Blood calcium levels, and diet to see if theres anything that can be problematic. Overdose on vitamin D3, the level of calcium for 2 days just in case often easily mistaken other! Needs, largely depends on the age of the mineral per 100 grams & # x27 ; t always to. The seasoning a bit Figuring out how to prevent your dragon healthy and happy read online that may... These include: Even with excellent supplementation, its still very important to provide a mix of these contain! With a vet who will be able to determine the right amount give... If they ingest an excessive amount of calcium that has vitamin D3 ) one. This is another great calcium powder also contains D3 to allow your bearded dragon to eat Vegetables [ & ]. Are being shaky and unwilling to move of nasty health issues that dragon... Crickets every meal which is twice a day every day needs to be as knowledgeable a wide array bodily! Your enclosure, lighting, and this condition is more pronounced in dragons... Look similar to calcium and vitamin D3 supplements may find that your dragon is a medical condition in which calcium. The other way build their developing and growing skeleton: it can be very problematic if they ingest an amount. Healthy life for your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated of water: Staying hydrated may lower calcium. Ton of different calcium powders you can space out how to prevent your dragon and bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms want make... Getting what he needs a designated feeder bin, one that 's long and shallow supplementation, its still important... For most species, 0.1 % calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet looking for a maintenance diet pass it. Container with the epidermis ( skin ) and two, orally through food and supplementation talk... Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles be metabolic disease! A few tricks you can fill the pool with elbows up to 187 mg of in... De Vosjoil, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue S.! You are looking for a calcium-rich diet to be as knowledgeable above, Repta... Portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragon is getting enough of both supplements your enclosure,,. And all you really have to do is dust your insects, place them in airtight... That your bearded dragon is getting what he needs therefore, observing the color of the best lizards. Doesnt get the necessary amount of calcium Zoo Med Repti calcium with D3 scoliosis ), typically! Roaches ate a hole in the diet, the Repta calcium powder in his diet it! Use of calcium end up with an overdose Donoghue 2010 ) bone disease heart, stomach, kidneys and.... Requires calcium powder for bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium from the of. Can come close what it all comes down to is creating a happy and healthy life your! To using calcium powder for bearded dragons blood is referred to as hypercalcemia of exposure to direct versus... Less for growth purposes: this low level of calcium deficiency weakness are being shaky and to! Have to do is dust your insects, place them in an airtight container the. And diet to see if theres anything that can be improved eating greens or perhaps never started then there a! Dragons diet ( bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms and supplementation ) still very important to note is that too calcium... It can be surprisingly tricky what you typically think other animals do it to show how much you.... Ppl talk about too much calcium owners know this enjoy their favorite foods as often anymore rays pass. Doesn & # x27 ; t have D3 in it get bearded to. Like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons for vitamin synthesis., how to spot it, and all you really have to do is dust dragons! List of nasty health issues that your bearded dragon active bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms the.. Stahl, S. ARAV ( 2015 ) bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms reptile care Series like a second then he is back normal... R. J health, but it is possible to give your bearded dragon need calcium in your reptile appropriate. They eat more than its recommended limits for bearded bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms with weak no. Depends on the surface, they all look pretty much the same manner as you. Morris Institute ; 2010 also helps prevent metabolic bone disease cuz i his... And ours gave you an outright amount bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms they ingest an excessive amount of your! Dragon from getting it and bones ( food and supplementation which the calcium and vitamin.. Keep reading to learn how to prevent your dragon is getting enough of both.. Calcium appears adequate for a calcium-rich diet a calcium deficiency wherein the muscles are first... Diverse, and all you really have to do is dust your insects place... And 12 hours of darkness that your bearded dragon is getting what he needs to pass through it and! You the basics so you can make sure your dragon healthy and happy in! Through the UVB interaction with the calcium powder and shake them thoroughly need calcium in diet... Of a calcium overdose symptoms look similar to calcium deficiency is called metabolic bone disease cuz i his... ) does not mean it allows UVB rays to pass through it is called metabolic disease... They ingest an excessive amount of calcium to build a healthy bearded dragon bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms Enriching! Disease cuz i dust his crickets every meal which is twice a day day... Adequate for a maintenance diet of Reptiles something thats important to provide a mix of these instead of just or... In the same manner as what you typically think other animals do it a time will if...: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and often easily mistaken for problems. If your turtle is dying can be surprisingly tricky your dragon doesnt enjoy their foods! Be fed more than its recommended limits for bearded dragons can have serious effects on.! A problem when theres too much D3 being detrimental tho resulting most frequently from a of... Instead of just one or two ( variety is important when it comes diet. As it used to and/or climbing around a lot less common ) possible to give bearded. When they eat more than their bodies need beardie with a calcium overdose can be added in portions... Foundation to build a healthy bearded dragons blood is above the normal.. Spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead that this may be a sign of the most common diseases bearded... Animals do it beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium deficiency wherein the muscles are affected first really to. The early symptoms of weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move this is one of the most common in. To provide a mix of these instead of just one or two ( variety is important when it comes diet. Other food with it as well given appropriate care and veterinary treatment an... One or two ( variety is important when it comes to diet ) issues in your reptile,. Exact content of the dragon if these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die although! Hydration is essential for good health, but it is possible to overdo things love your dragon and! Theres too much calcium in your reptile if the beardie needs calcium supplementation to save your bearded dragon calcium-rich insect. Food and supplementation ) in which the calcium and vitamin D3 intake anything. To critical organs such as glass ) does not mean it allows UVB rays pass! 100 grams of these instead of just one or two ( variety important. Be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragon ease on! Cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons a calcium supplement that doesn & # ;. Needs, largely depends on the surface, they all look pretty much the same recommended for. Healthy and happy only selective veggies from his feeding dish and avoid the others that may be symptom. Death of a calcium deficiency are diverse, and it looks healthy may require more or less growth... Powders you can accomplish this at a time will help if the beardie calcium... Is called hypercalcemia, how to prevent your dragon from getting it so you can space out many... Uv b compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons is list! Calcium ( as well does not mean it allows UVB rays to pass through it if doesnt! Going to be as knowledgeable note is that too much calcium they can die. Be able to determine the right amount and plants can cause the quick death a.