Why is calcium important for bearded dragons?

What causes hypercalcemia in bearded dragons?

Hypercalcemia is seen in bearded dragons with excessive exposure to UVB light along with excessive oral supplementation with calcium and vitamin D 3. Remember there are two ways to get vitamin D 3, UVB light and orally through food and supplementation.

Do bearded dragons need calcium and vitamins?

As adults, bearded dragons don’t need calcium quite as often, given that they are no longer growing. However, you should still dust your dragon’s food around 3 times a week with calcium powder. When it comes to their multi vitamin, mix it in with their calcium just one time a week to ensure optimal health.

What happens if a bearded dragon has too much D3?

When too much D3 is absorbed, and high levels of calcium exist in the diet, bearded dragons can experience Hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood and can lead to dragons becoming sickly, and in some cases, even dying. So,…

How often should I give my bearded dragon calcium?

Juveniles should be given supplements of calcium and vitamin D3 at least three to four meals per week, and adults should receive supplements at least once per week. If you keep an adult bearded dragon outdoors, where it will receive some natural light from the sun, you can reduce the calcium and vitamin D3 dosage to once every two weeks.

Do bearded dragons get calcium dust?

Bearded dragons don’t get calcium dusting in the wild but they are very good at converting UVB radiation (sunlight) into vitamin D 3. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. Vitamin D 3 supports the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

What vitamins do bearded dragons need?

Vitamin D3 and Calcium. Vitamin D3 and calcium are probably the most important vitamins and minerals you need to supply your bearded dragon. They are essential for proper development of bones and very critical for gravid females.

Do bearded dragons need cholecalciferol?

Therefore, you need to supplement this vitamin since these pets cannot be able to synthesis enough. However, giving cholecalciferol alone without UVB light will not be sufficient. You also need a 10-12% UVB ray are covering three-quarters of your bearded dragon terrarium for a photoperiod of about 12-14 hours.

What is the best multivitamin for bearded dragons?

1.1 1. Why is vitamin D3 and calcium are vital 1.2 2. UVB Rays and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 1.3 3. Best calcium supplements with and without vitamin D3 2.1 1. Vitamin A and beta- carotene 2.2 2. Vitamin E 2.3 3. Phosphorus 2.4 4. Iron 2.5 5. Best multivitamins to buy 3.1 1. Natura Zone Herp Pro Supplements for Bearded Dragon 3.2 2.

Can bearded dragons get calcium deficiency?

Bearded dragons require both calcium and cholecalciferol for proper skeletal growth, optimum health. A deficiency in this fat-soluble vitamin will result in calcium deficiency since it is vital in the intestinal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus.

Can bearded dragons eat Broccoli?

These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance.

What happens if a bearded dragon has high parasite count?

Bearded dragons that have a high parasite count can display such symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, a lack of appetite, and even lethargy and weight loss. If you suspect your bearded dragon is dealing with a high parasite count, then you’ll want to bag up any vomit or stool to take into the vet for a test.

Can bearded dragons get MBD without UVB?

Without UVB, bearded dragons can’t actually absorb and use calcium properly. So, you could be feeding your beardie plenty of calcium with their feeders but it could all be in vain without the right UVB setup! If a bearded dragon’s phosphorous to calcium ratio is off, then MBD is definitely a potential risk.

What causes calcium deficiency in lizards?

It is caused by poor diet (low calcium to phosphorus ratio, vitamin D 3 deficiency) or poor husbandry (lack of UVB light, inadequate thermal provision). Affected reptiles are generally rapidly growing herbivorous and insectivorous lizards and chelonians.

What is metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons?

An extremely common disease amongst bearded dragons is Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD. Due to a lack of Calcium, which can often result from a lack of UVB (explained further below), dragons can become so weak that their very bones deteriorate, leaving them fragile, weak, and headed for death. BUT MBD doesn’t have to be mean an untimely death!

Can bearded dragons have too much phosphorus?

You don’t want to give it too much phosphorus. While a bearded dragon does need some vitamin A, it is very important not to give too much. If they are given too much vitamin A it can lead to vitamin A toxicity. They can retain vitamin A within the body and organs and can become toxic if levels become too high.

Do bearded dragons need full spectrum light?

In captivity, a full-spectrum light is needed in order to mimic those ultraviolet rays so they can absorb the vitamins and minerals. Baby bearded dragons need a daily dose of calcium and vitamin D3 to ensure proper growth and good bone development.

What is bearded dragon calcium powder and how to use it?

Bearded dragon calcium powder is quite straightforward and easy to use. Simply put, it’s a powder that contains concentrated calcium (and D3 depending on which product you get) that you sprinkle on their food.

What supplements do bearded dragons need to grow?

Baby bearded dragons need a daily dose of calcium and vitamin D3 to ensure proper growth and good bone development. Juveniles should be given supplements of calcium and vitamin D3 at least three to four meals per week, and adults should receive supplements at least once per week. If you keep an adult bearded dragon outdoors,…

Can I give my bearded dragon Rep-Cal?

You can choose to go with added vitamin D3 if you want to help your beardie absorb the calcium powder. You can also get Rep-Cal with no phosphorus in it as phosphorus is known to bind to calcium and potentially prevent it from being absorbed and utilized in the body.

What vitamins should be given to bearded dragons?

Also, it should be noted that aside from calcium, bearded dragons of all ages should really be given a ​good multi vitamin several times to one time a week, depending on their age. You’ll want to try and avoid vitamins with vitamin A in them as bearded dragons have a high toxicity to this vitamin and can die from too much.

How do bearded dragons get calcium?

Light is another great way for your bearded dragon to get the necessary amount of calcium. In the wild, this species heavily uses UVB rays from the sun to fulfill this requirement. That why it’s important to get the best UVB light for your bearded dragon possible (and set it up properly).

Why do bearded dragons need UVB rays?

UVB Rays and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) Exposure to UVB light helps a bearded dragon’s skin to synthesis vitamin D, whose crucial active metabolite is D3 or cholecalciferol. Therefore, it means that these diurnal reptiles, they need UVB rays to synthesis cholecalciferol.

Can I give my bearded dragon D3 (cholecalciferol)?

Shortest answer is yes you should give your bearded dragon D3 (cholecalciferol). Calcium deficiency is often accompanied by vitamin D 3 deficiency. Vitamin D 3 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.

Do bearded dragons need vitamins in captivity?

However, the bearded dragons in captivity will sometimes face the deficiency of certain vitamins, which the owners fulfill by providing supplements. The nutrients that a bearded dragon requires are Vitamin D3, Calcium, Vitamin A, and other multivitamins.