Calcium is a vital mineral for all animals, together with reptiles. It’s wanted for a wide range of bodily features, together with:
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Constructing and sustaining robust bones and tooth
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Regulating blood clotting
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Transmitting nerve impulses
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Contracting muscle tissues
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Secreting hormones
Reptiles want extra calcium than mammals, as they don’t produce as a lot of their very own. A calcium deficiency can result in various well being issues, together with:
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Rickets: A softening of the bones that may result in deformities
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Osteoporosis: A thinning of the bones that makes them extra brittle and susceptible to fractures
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Metabolic bone illness: A situation that impacts the way in which the physique makes use of calcium, which might result in a wide range of issues, together with kidney stones and seizures
To stop calcium deficiency, it is very important feed your reptile a food plan that’s excessive in calcium and low in phosphorus. Good sources of calcium for reptiles embrace:
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Darkish leafy greens, reminiscent of kale, collard greens, and spinach
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Chalk/calcium blocks
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Cuttle fish
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Fortified reptile meals
You too can present your reptile with a calcium complement, reminiscent of a powder that may be sprinkled on their meals.
You will need to be aware that an excessive amount of calcium can be dangerous to reptiles. The advisable calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for reptiles is 2:1. Which means for each gram of calcium of their food plan, they need to get 1 gram of phosphorus.
If you’re not sure about how a lot calcium your reptile wants, it’s all the time greatest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian.
Listed here are some further ideas for guaranteeing that your reptile will get sufficient calcium:
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Supply a wide range of calcium-rich meals.
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Present a calcium complement, if mandatory.
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Be certain your reptile has entry to recent, clear water always.
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Monitor your reptile’s weight and total well being.
By following the following pointers, you’ll be able to assist make sure that your reptile will get the calcium they should keep wholesome and powerful.
