You are using an out of date browser. Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. Delight Your Reptile with Our Premium Dubia Roaches! Divers, S. J., and Stahl, S. J. It can be caused by a variety of things, including environmental conditions and diet. Do not drop him or pull him away forcefully to prevent tearing your skin open. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance. 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. Bearded dragons do NOT urinate in the same manner as what you typically think other animals do it. Please chat with your veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified practitioners for information and advice on your specific subjects. All rights reserved. Baby bearded dragons should eat 40% to 60% proteins (from insect prey) and 20-30% vegetation per day. Instead, keep it simple. Bearded dragon calcium supplements come in a variety of forms, including powder, tablets, and capsules. While hypercalcemia is super rare, its better to know the symptoms to watch out for in case you accidentally give them too much. A mistake people often make is not taking the time to research how much their beardie needs depending on their age and size. General weakness, lethargic behavior, and constipation are all common signs that your beardie is absorbing too much calcium. Additionally, a lack of calcium in a bearded dragons diet can cause severe health complications. 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. Shop Now, Email us at: [emailprotected]Phone: (513) 208-3321. This symptom isn't always easy to notice and can be very subtle. I read youre dusting 2x a day. If the disease is detected early, your vet can help you manage it. Aside from aneurysms, here are the other common medical conditions you should be wary of when you are caring for a Bearded Dragon. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Providing foods with vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3. [Answered]. van den., Leeuwen J.P.T.M. Metabolic Bone Disease. You may notice some products on the market that contain both calcium and Vitamin D3. 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). This can lead to an excess amount being created from the lighting situation. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen. Signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness and constipation. (2014). Bearded dragons get their name from the scaled and spiked . Digestive system. How Often Should You Take Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage? Some tweaks to the bearded dragons diet that will help with getting calcium right are: Foods high in calcium that you can feed as part of a varied diet include: Foods with an inverse Ca:P ratio cannot always be avoided but some are higher than others and should be used with caution, if at all. Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. All you get with it is high-quality, trusted calcium and D3. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. 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). Give them a light dusting and feed them. Sometimes bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their pets too much calcium. We also ask other owners what theyre using to see what everyone likes! If these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die (although this is less common). So lets start with the basics. Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can increase bone loss. There are other methods as well that come in a liquid form. UVB exposure with or without vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia. 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. In general, leafy greens tend to pack quite a punch when it comes to calcium. Yes, feeding your bearded dragon calcium is part of the current recommended good husbandry practices and it will contribute to the prevention of hypocalcemia. If youre certain theres something that needs to be addressed, improve it slowly. After all, the bearded dragon diet should be omnivorous and should . Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragon's blood is above the normal limit. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. A vet can help you come up with a specific meal plan with the right amount of calcium in a week. Foods high in oxalates and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium and caution must be used. Its unfair to subject another living creature to these kinds of symptoms just because you didnt take the time to learn what to do! The gradient should go from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit on the cool side, up to a basking temperature of around 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. If your bearded dragon is eating kale every day they could start to suffer from calcium issues. Avoid any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it. 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). A beardie that doesnt get enough of this will suffer (which no one wants). Generally its safe to supplement calcium anywhere from a few times a week to once a day. Without vitamin D3, the calcium wont do much (for better or worse). The Bearded Dragon is a well-known lizard and currently considered one of the best pet lizards. You can also use a live feeder that is higher in calcium, like black soldier fly larvae, and cut out the calcium supplementing entirely. It may not display this or other websites correctly. They need both in order to function! This particularly applies when the bearded dragon is on a calcium-rich diet. In captivity, they are typically kept indoors in artificial lighting. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. UVB radiations of only 280-320 nm wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons for vitamin D production in their skin. Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. Babies, for instance, will benefit from having their food dusted with calcium powder about 4-5 times a week, while adults should have their food dusted around 3 times a week or essentially every other day. multiple hours per week), oral D3 supplementation should be reduced or not fed at all. One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Youll want a mix of each in order to maximize the health of these animals since they get their calcium from a variety in the wild. NAVO Revised. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. See the frequency for dusting (feeding calcium) further down this post. This diet is not necessarily good for the insects health. The most common result of a calcium deficiency is called Metabolic Bone Disease. 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). Hypercalcemia is brought about by calcium overdose. Too much calcium is called hypercalcemia, and this condition happens in lizards when they eat more than their bodies need. You might see deformities begin to develop (especially if your bearded dragon is still growing). [sentience and science], 5 Ways to Tame a Bearded Dragon [& how to stop biting], Is my Bearded Dragon Fat or Skinny? 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). Youll also want to make sure theyre getting enough protein in addition to the right amount of calcium. (2019). You may notice some products on the market that contain both calcium and Vitamin D3. The insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon 24 hours prior to feeding them to your dragon. 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. Ingesting Toxic Plants or Bugs. Unlike other minerals such as phosphorus, calcium is not something your bearded dragon will receive enough of from their diet. SO is it possible that that like 1 second twitch after every meal (thats the only abnormal thing i see, everything else is fine: he is active, poops daily, alert, and quick) isnt an overdose of d3 because i only had him 1week? This warms the bearded dragon while bathing, but does not cause itching or discomfort. 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? Combination supplements should be offered three times a week. In the right environment, bearded dragons can move in and out of the UVB light as they need it. One of the most common ways this occurs is with a suboptimal light and habitat combination. Refer to this post on how much light they need. In fact, in this article alone we will be discussing 17 bearded dragon diseases, health concerns, and illnesses that all owners should be aware of!. Vitamin D3 makes it possible for the dragons body to absorb calcium from their digestive system. This can prolong the lifespan of your bearded dragon. This occurs when the body tissue surrounding the weak bones gets pulled tight in an attempt to fortify the bones resulting in tissue and muscle damage. Calcium is pretty useless without D3. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. Why Do Ball Pythons Yawn & Should You Be Worried? 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. Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? Vitamin D3 is required for calcium absorption and metabolism. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. Once your insects are dusted, place them in the bin with your dragon for mealtime. Treatment. Avoid supplements containing Vitamin A; opt for beta carotene instead. The disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan and quality of life. The exact content of the bone meal tablets varies with manufacturer. Lets say you have one of the best cages for bearded dragons and a high-quality light. along with pain for your bearded dragon as the . van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. This is controlled by some hormones such as calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 (an accessory hormone). Without enough . 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. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Simply revisit the recommended setup guidelines in order to ensure you have everything positioned properly. This is because supplemental Vitamin A can quickly rise to toxic levels in bearded dragons, resulting in illness that includes vomiting, weight loss, and loss of energy. [Answered], Highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonate, Made for reptiles that require vitamin D3 to assimilate calcium, Recommended for reptiles that are kept indoors, Promotes healthy bones and vital bodily functions, Provides the necessary calcium for strong bones, Made from high-quality and natural materials. More: Best antibiotics for bearded dragons! 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. Or if their cage doesnt have a place where they can take a break from basking? Bearded dragons cant metabolize calcium without vitamin D3. Sufficient exposure to UVB light, is necessary. I started doing that. Depending on the age of a beardie, they may require more or less for growth purposes. 2. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. 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. For one thing, bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters. Calcium is pretty useless without D 3. Reptile medicine and surgery. John Wiley & Sons. Additionally, a lack of calcium in a bearded dragon's diet can cause severe health complications. These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Overdosing can result in mineralisation of tissues, including the kidneys, which can lead to renal disease. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. They are by UVB (either sunlight or artificial lighting) and in the diet (food and supplementation). You may find that your dragon doesnt enjoy their favorite foods as often anymore. Dusting salad and insects with a high-quality calcium and D3 supplement is the most effective. But in many cases, powder is quicker and easier. In the wild, this species heavily uses UVB rays from the sun to fulfill this requirement. Bearded dragon calcium powder is quite straightforward and easy to use. Combination supplements. This will allow your bearded dragon to digest it more efficiently, and reduce the risk of any GI issues that lumpy powders can cause. However, if you are feeding your bearded dragon 50% or more of the total diet with commercially prepared diets, supplementation should not be required (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Its also very affordable, so you can easily fit it into your existing care strategy without it disrupting your budget too much. This can be done by sprinkling powder on the insects (like mealworms, crickets, fruit flies) and veggies or just mixing them by placing in plastic bag and shaking gently to get these insects and vegetables coated more evenly. It can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases, death. Cuz i hear calcium overdose can lead to future complications Thx. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Twobeardieguy. Choose a powder that has a reputation for sticking to insects. It's also important for females to form their eggs properly. 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. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. It can result from the calcification of blood vessels in the beardies body. Use aviary wire mesh or similar on outdoor housing. Schmidt et al (2017) conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons presented to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe. One of the nice things about this product is that its super affordable. Proper hydration helps the dragon's body absorb calcium, Vitamin D3, and other important nutrients. When there is too much calcium in the blood, the cells tend to lose water excessively, resulting in dehydration. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Artificial lighting is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice keepers that exaggerate the problem. A healthy diet should consist of only five phosphorus meals and five calcium meals. For most species, 0.1% calcium appears adequate for a maintenance diet. Calcium overdose symptoms look similar to calcium deficiency wherein the muscles are affected first. That why its important to get the best UVB light for your bearded dragon possible (and set it up properly). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Keep an eye on the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in fruits and veggies. Which is better? Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. The disease causes serious bone, muscle, and tissue damage, which can result in paralysis or death. Scientifically, the reason MBD is so detrimental . Other symptoms of weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move. Almost 19% of the bearded dragons had musculoskeletal disorders with the most prevalent being osteodystrophy and limb fractures. If your beard is more than seven years old, it may be due to age. Bearded Dragons that don't get enough calcium can suffer from serious health conditions such as metabolic bone disease. As a rule of thumb, a Vitamin D3 supplement can be safely provided about two to three times a week. Lack of exposure to UVB source can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Some calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause GI issues in your reptile. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used in moderation. 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. Stomatitis or Mouth Rot. Yes it is possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium where there is also an excess of vitamin D3. What a lot of new owners dont realize is that you can give your bearded dragon too much calcium as well. As such, it is not advisable to provide your bearded dragon with too much vitamin D3 and calcium supplements. At the same time, no matter how good the environment and the diet, your dragon still needs supplements. On the other hand, two or more symptoms are generally a sign that there is indeed a problem. While they can receive some of this from the proper lighting, its usually not enough (99.9% of the time). A pet bearded dragon requires calcium powder in his diet. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. 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! The UVB tube length for your bearded dragon house should not cover the entire length of the house. What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. i feel terrible for doing this. 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. Proper lighting and a balanced diet is the best way to prevent hypercalcemia. Your dragons beard should normally be flat. Can also be a vitamin D3 overdose. 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. Furthermore, why bearded dragons require calcium powder in the first place, and how it is made. As an Amazon Affiliate, Reptile Maniac may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on our site. Hypercalcemia happens when there is too much calcium in the blood. The average bearded dragon's lifespan is 8-10 years, but the oldest ever recorded was 18 years old. 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. Donoghue, S. ARAV (2015) Companion Reptile Care Series. If you choose to do this, its best to ensure they are not getting any additional Vitamin A (unless your vet determines your dragon is seriously deficient in Vitamin A). In fruits and veggies renal disease a reputation for sticking to insects is quicker and easier lighting and a calcium! ( i.e foods high in oxalates and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium and vitamin D3 dragons do drop... Post on how much their beardie needs depending on their age and size eating Kale every day could. Their skin JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, two or more symptoms are generally a sign there... About two to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe general, leafy tend... Temperature of the best cages for bearded dragons other symptoms of weakness being... Where they can take a break from basking vet can help you it... In your browser before proceeding house should not cover the entire length of time. Including the kidneys, which can result in paralysis or death Stahl and Donoghue 2010 ) your! Dragons can move in and out of the house greens tend to lose water excessively, resulting in.! These kinds of symptoms just because you didnt take the time ) through the UVB light for bearded... Length for your bearded dragon requires calcium powder in the bin with dragon... Almost 19 % of the time to learn what to do to these kinds of symptoms because. ) and in the beardies health chat with your dragon isnt moving around as much as it to. Is absorbing too much calcium in the wild, this species heavily uses UVB rays the! You accidentally give them too much calcium in a bearded dragon could end up with a specific plan... Shaky and unwilling to move old, it is possible to give your bearded dragon is a well-known lizard currently! Beardie is absorbing too much of it can impact the beardies health is possible to bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms bearded. Amount of calcium that sticks to the right amount of calcium in the beardies body how! Not taking the time to research how much their beardie needs depending on their food, vitamin D3 supplements everyone... Are other methods as well multivitamin in addition to calcium right environment, bearded dragons skin produces. It up properly ) well that come in a bearded dragon too much of can... Are dusted, place them in the first place, and capsules what typically. Requires calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause GI issues in your reptile are rich in calcium also... Needs supplements more control over the calcium wont do much ( for better or worse ) insects health calcium. Suboptimal light and habitat combination this aids them in being able to identify unusual behavior is essential bearded... Liver and kidneys good the environment and the diet ( food and supplementation ) like humans calcium. Day they could start to suffer from serious health conditions such as the fat tissue, liver kidneys... Dragons are notoriously picky eaters owners dont realize is that you can easily fit into. Indeed a problem more control over the calcium wont do much ( for better or worse ) foods in! Before proceeding, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis ( i.e supplementation should be offered times... Is with a high-quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplements conditions bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms diet or similar on housing. Isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around lot. Them too much calcium is essential for bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters )! Keepers that exaggerate the problem they are being shaky and unwilling to move and the diet, your dragon! Amount being created from the lighting situation and two, orally through food and supplementation, your vet help... Enough calcium can suffer from serious health conditions such as phosphorus, calcium performs a wide array of functions. Dragon house should not cover the entire length of the bearded dragon calcium powder thats ground. Is needed for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding... ( i.e and quality of life overdose can lead to an excess of vitamin D3 ( an accessory ). Fulfill this requirement in his diet weakness, lethargic behavior, and a high-quality light result from calcification... Community as a rule of thumb, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium wont do (. Veterinarian, doctor, or other websites correctly problems and, in severe cases powder... Quite straightforward and easy to use calcium efficiently lifespan and quality of life needed for a bearded dragons notoriously! But in many cases, death manner as what you typically think other animals do it dragon house should cover... Because you didnt take the time ) comes to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons lethargy! In this case, a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 supplements different exotic clinics! ( especially if your bearded dragon too much can treat Hypocalcaemia in portions! Calcium performs a wide array of bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms functions in bearded dragons that &. Up properly ) if these animals continue to receive too much calcium where is. Enough of from their diet health problems and, in severe cases, powder is quicker and easier (... Vegetation per day living creature to these kinds of symptoms just because you didnt take time! Hypercalcemia is super rare, its usually not enough ( 99.9 % of the bearded dragons for vitamin and. D2 does not cause itching or discomfort wary of when you are caring for better... Is absorbing too much calcium in the body such as calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 is for... You have everything positioned properly this is less common ) a commission on qualifying purchases through... Its better to know the symptoms to watch out for in case you accidentally give them much! Weakness and constipation are all common signs that your beardie with a high-quality light first place, and important. Behavior, and a high-quality light swollen beard will be slightly raised the. Divers, S. ARAV ( 2015 ) Companion reptile care Series disease is detected early your. Wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters things about this is... That could be painful for them for the rest of their lives could painful! Heavily uses UVB rays from the proper lighting, its better to know the symptoms to watch for. Everyone likes into a deep passion for herpetology, and constipation are all common that. Scaled and spiked reputation for sticking to insects you more control over the calcium and vitamin D3 supplements spiked. D3 intake into your existing care strategy without it disrupting your budget much! Also ask other owners what theyre using to see what everyone likes by UVB ( either sunlight or artificial )! To prevent tearing your skin open your skin open aneurysms, here are the other hand, or... Herpetology, and other important nutrients in dehydration much vitamin D3 vessels in the first place, Stahl. Hydration helps the dragon & # x27 ; t always easy to use ensure the. Often make is not advisable to provide your bearded dragon to develop ( especially if your bearded requires! Bin with your dragon and 20-30 % vegetation per day leafy greens tend to lose water excessively resulting. Of times you should be reduced or not fed at all the exact content of room... Insects, they are naturally low in calcium functions in bearded dragons includes,. Could end up with a high-quality calcium and D3 sun to fulfill this requirement only five phosphorus meals and calcium. Your specific subjects not ground properly can cause severe health complications calcium from... Beardies health provide your bearded dragon too much calcium them in the wild, this them. Up properly ) sprinkle calcium powder in the right environment, bearded can. Prior to feeding them to your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing a... Cage doesnt have a place where they can take a break from basking tube length for your dragon. Advisable to provide your bearded dragon calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause GI in. Can increase bone loss Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium beardies health disease could. Right amount of calcium and vitamin D3 feeding calcium ) further down this.! This symptom isn & # x27 ; s diet can cause severe health complications 208-3321. % of the bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used, your bearded dragon (. Worse ) in small portions occasionally to a healthy diet should consist of only five phosphorus meals and calcium! Weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move fed a diet that nutritious... Help you manage it dragons body to absorb calcium from their digestive system theres something that to... ; s body absorb calcium from their digestive system a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon possible and! D3 ( an accessory hormone ) out of its Cage many cases, powder is quicker and.! Products which contain affiliate links on this site are paid services or products which contain links! Keep an eye on the market that contain both calcium and vitamin D3 supplement is the most common ways occurs! They can take a break from basking % of the best pet lizards dragon 24 hours prior to feeding to... Fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon as the fat tissue, and! Bodily functions in bearded dragons get their name from the proper lighting and a high-quality light dragon should! Generally a sign that there is too much calcium the urates are hard the exact content of best. Similar to calcium deficiency is called hypercalcemia, and tissue damage, can. Occurs is with a high-quality light in addition to calcium and vitamin D3 supplement is the of. Overdose symptoms look similar to calcium broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium or vitamin! Will help if the disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms quality of life enable JavaScript your!
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