Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Miranda
Bearded dragons need calcium for healthy bones and to aid in the production of eggs. If your bearded dragons are not getting enough calcium, they could develop health problems. If you are not sure how to give your bearded dragon the calcium it needs, don’t worry! We will discuss how to provide your beardies with the calcium they need to stay healthy and happy.
Signs of Bearded Dragon Calcium Deficiency
Many bearded dragon owners don’t realize that their pets may be calcium deficient. While calcium is necessary for all reptiles, it’s especially important for bearded dragons since they are prone to metabolic bone disease. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you identify a calcium deficiency, and there are also some simple steps you can take to correct the problem.
One of the most common signs of calcium deficiency is softening of the bones. This can cause your bearded dragon to appear “floppy” and may make it difficult for them to move around. You may also notice that your bearded dragon’s tail is curling up or its claws are getting softer. If you suspect that your bearded dragon is calcium deficient, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
How is Calcium Beneficial For Bearded Dragons?
As any reptile lover knows, calcium is essential for keeping your pet healthy and strong. This vital mineral helps to build bones and teeth, aids in muscle contraction, and helps the blood to clot. In short, without enough calcium, your bearded dragon would quickly become sick and could even die.
While most reptiles get the majority of their calcium from eating live insects, bearded dragons require a little extra help. This is because they have a very high metabolism and shed their skin regularly, both of which require a lot of calcium.
As a result, it is important to supplement your bearded dragon’s diet with calcium powder or calcium-rich vegetables. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much calcium can lead to health problems down the road. With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your bearded dragon gets all the calcium it needs to stay healthy and happy.
Importance of UVB Lighting in Calcium Absorption
Proper UVB lighting is crucial for bearded dragons’ health as it enables them to synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for calcium absorption. Without adequate UVB exposure, your bearded dragon may not be able to utilize dietary calcium effectively, leading to potential deficiencies. UVB bulbs come in different types, such as fluorescent tubes, mercury vapor bulbs, and compact bulbs, each varying in strength and coverage. It’s generally recommended to provide 10-12 hours of UVB light each day to mimic natural sunlight, ensuring that the bulb is positioned at the correct distance for optimal exposure. Regularly checking and replacing the UVB bulb, typically every 6-12 months, is also important since its UVB output diminishes over time even if the light is still on.
How To Give Bearded Dragon Calcium
As any bearded dragon owner knows, calcium is essential for these reptiles. It helps to build strong bones and optimize muscle function. However, giving your bearded dragon calcium can be a bit tricky. If you simply add calcium powder to their food, they may not consume enough to make a difference. And if you give them too much, it can cause health problems.
So how can you ensure that your bearded dragon gets the calcium they need? One way is to offer them a calcium-rich food source, such as kale or collard greens. You can also provide a calcium supplement in the form of a powder, gel, or liquid. When giving your bearded dragon calcium, be sure to follow the directions on the packaging carefully.
Too much or too little can cause problems, so it’s important to get the dosage right. With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your bearded dragon gets the calcium they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Different Types of Calcium Supplements
Calcium supplements come in various forms, each with its own benefits. Calcium carbonate is the most common, offering high bioavailability and often being paired with Vitamin D3 to enhance absorption. Calcium gluconate is another option, typically used in emergency veterinary situations due to its fast-acting properties. It’s essential to choose a supplement that is specifically formulated for reptiles to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful additives. When selecting a supplement, consider your beardie’s dietary intake and consult a veterinarian if you’re unsure which type best suits their needs.
Foods That Interfere with Calcium Absorption
While there are many calcium-rich foods suitable for bearded dragons, some foods can interfere with calcium absorption. Spinach and beet greens, for example, are high in oxalates which can bind to calcium and prevent its absorption into the bloodstream. Similarly, foods rich in phosphorus, such as certain processed grains, can also impact calcium uptake. It’s best to offer these in moderation and ensure your bearded dragon’s diet includes a wide variety of vegetables that balance high oxalate foods with low-oxalate, calcium-rich options such as kale and collard greens.
Best Calcium Rich Foods For Bearded Dragons
As any bearded dragon owner knows, calcium is essential for your reptile’s health. Not only does it help to build strong bones and regulate muscle function, but it also plays a role in nerve conduction and hormone production. While you can provide your beardie with calcium supplements, it’s also important to offer foods that are rich in this essential nutrient.
Some of the best calcium-rich foods for bearded dragons include:
- Crickets
- Dark leafy greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Collard Greens
- Dandelion Greens
- Fruits such as oranges, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and much more.
When feeding your beardie these foods, it’s important to offer a variety of textures and sizes to encourage natural foraging behaviors. Additionally, you should dust their food with a calcium supplement to ensure that they’re getting enough of this vital nutrient. By offering a diverse diet and supplementing with calcium, you can give your bearded dragon the nourishment it needs.
Age-Specific Calcium Needs
Calcium requirements can vary significantly with the age of your bearded dragon. Hatchlings and juveniles require more frequent calcium supplementation due to their rapid growth rates and higher risk of developing metabolic bone disease. It’s advisable to dust their food with calcium powder daily. For adult dragons, 2-3 times a week should suffice, as their growth rate slows and they sustain their bone health. Senior bearded dragons might benefit from increased calcium again if they show signs of reduced bone density. Always adjust calcium intake according to life stage and specific health needs, potentially with veterinarian guidance.
How Much Calcium Should I Give My Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are strict carnivores and need a diet that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of insects. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of live prey items, including crickets, mealworms, roaches, and earthworms. They should also be given a variety of chopped vegetables, such as greens, squash, and bell peppers.
When giving your bearded dragon calcium, it is important to use a product that contains vitamin D. This vitamin is necessary for the body to absorb calcium. The best way to give your bearded dragon calcium is to dust their food with a calcium powder that also contains vitamin D3.
You can also give them calcium chews or tablets that they can lick on as needed. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much of it can be just as harmful as too little.
Does Baby Bearded Dragon Need Calcium?
Without adequate calcium, baby bearded dragons can develop a condition called metabolic bone disease, which can lead to deformities and even death. Signs of the metabolic bone disease include softening of the bones, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
If you suspect that your baby bearded dragon may be calcium deficient, take him to the vet for a blood test. Metabolic bone disease is often caused by a lack of vitamin D3, so your vet may also recommend giving your baby bearded dragon a supplement containing this vitamin.
Can I give a Pregnant Female Bearded Dragon Calcium?
How much calcium does a gravid dragon needs?
Pregnant female bearded dragons require calcium for the proper development of their eggs. Egg-laying females may develop calcium deficiencies if not provided with enough of the mineral in their diet. Without enough calcium, she may produce soft-shelled or deformed eggs.
A lack of calcium can also lead to problems during labor and delivery. Signs of a lack of calcium include lethargy, weakness, and anorexia. If your adult bearded dragon is showing these signs, take her to the veterinarian immediately.
They will be able to prescribe a calcium supplement and provide you with instructions on how to properly administer it. Giving your pregnant female bearded dragon the proper amount of calcium will ensure that she stays healthy and that her baby dragons are properly developed.
What Happens if Beardie Gets Too Much Calcium?
Bearded dragons need calcium for strong bones and muscles. However, excess calcium can lead to health problems. Signs of excess calcium include unusual lethargy, weakness, and appetite loss. If your bearded dragon has any of these symptoms, take them to the veterinarian immediately.
Excess calcium can cause kidney problems and blockages in the intestines. It can also lead to metabolic bone disease, a condition in which the bones become soft and break easily. Metabolic bone disease is painful and often fatal. Treatment typically involves lengthy courses of antibiotics and calcium supplements. Prevention is the best medicine, so be sure to give your bearded dragon the appropriate amount of calcium.
Conclusion: How To Give Bearded Dragon Calcium
There are a few things to keep in mind when giving your bearded dragon calcium. First, it’s important to choose a high-quality calcium supplement. Look for one that is free of impurities and contains added vitamins and minerals.
Second, be sure to follow the directions on the supplement label carefully. Third, monitor your dragon closely to make sure they’re getting enough calcium. Finally, remember that calcium is just one part of a healthy diet for your bearded dragon.
Be sure to provide them with a variety of foods to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Calcium powders and Vitamin D are essential for your dragon’s health.
