How To Make Calcium Blocks For Turtles? The 13 New Answer

Feeding a turtle in captivity can be a difficult balancing act. If a turtle’s diet isn’t closely monitored, it can end up consuming too much or too little of an essential mineral like calcium.

Turtles need calcium, vitamin D3 and UVB light to maintain strong bones and a healthy shell.

Without enough calcium, turtles are at risk of metabolic bone disease, fractures, and paralysis. Female tortoises need extra calcium during development and egg laying.

While a deficiency in an essential nutrient is bad, an excess can be just as harmful. Even something as important as calcium is harmful in excess.

Why do turtles need calcium?

Turtle physiology relies on calcium for optimal growth and functioning.

In addition to their bone structure, turtles need calcium because their shell is made of keratin. Calcium determines how thick and strong keratin is. Without enough calcium, a turtle’s shell will soften, deform, or may not grow at all.

Females need a lot of calcium during development and egg laying. Since calcium is involved in the formation and transmission of each egg, a lack of calcium leads to health problems for the female and her clutch.

Can a turtle have too much calcium?

A turtle can have too much calcium, but this is rarely acknowledged.

Too much calcium can lead to calcification of certain parts of the body. Calcification occurs when calcium builds up in soft tissues, organs, and blood cells.

A large accumulation of calcium can cause pain to the turtle, depending on where it has accumulated. This happens slowly because a lot of calcium is excreted through the urine, making it difficult for a turtle to build up large calcium deposits overnight.

According to the Veterinary Record, turtles that consume an excessive amount of calcium do better than those that consume less. However, they have the highest rate of metastatic calcifications.

Limescale deposits on turtles are difficult to spot unless they are thoroughly examined by a vet, so frequent checks should be carried out to avoid this problem.

Turtles that have too much calcium in their diet are at a higher risk of developing stones. Taking it to a vet for an examination can confirm the cause if there is an excessive amount of calcium in the turtle’s urine and blood.

How do turtles get calcium in the wild?

Turtles can get calcium from a variety of sources in the wild, and the most reliable way for them to get calcium is through vegetation, like dandelions.

Plants such as kale, which are common in areas where tortoises are native, contain a good amount of calcium for the tortoises to absorb. Fruits and berries are other good sources.

Snails, which have crunchy shells made of calcium carbonate and protein, are another fantastic choice for turtles that crave calcium.

Egg shells are harder to come by, but turtles eat them for their calcium content. Sometimes when times are tough, mother turtles will eat their eggs for the nutritional value.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency in Turtles

Calcium deficiency affects a turtle’s mood, shell shape and growth, and skeletal growth.

Health problems related to a turtle’s bones and shell are referred to as metabolic bone disease, which is an umbrella term used to describe various ailments.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is the most common medical disorder in captive turtles, according to Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.

The most common symptoms of MDB in turtles are:

soft shells

Deformed shells

lethargy

Small shell compared to the body

pyramid formation

bind eggs

problems walking

broken bones

loss of appetite

constipation

bent legs

shell fracture

Other problems that result from calcium deficiency include respiratory infections and turtle cloacal prolapse. An unbalanced diet affects a turtle’s immune system, so you may hear the turtle panting if it’s weak due to a calcium deficiency.

A deficiency or excess of calcium can cause stones in turtles. When a turtle attempts to pass a stone through its cloaca, some of its organs may exit through the body cavity along with the stone.

How to give calcium to turtles

To give your tortoise calcium, you can either feed it calcium-rich food and vitamins, or have it chew on a cuttlebone or mineral block. The best way to give your turtle calcium is the way your pet likes it best. Just make sure your turtle is getting the recommended levels of calcium in their diet.

Cuttlebone is the skeletal structure of dead squid. It is 85% calcium and provides an interactive way for your turtle to get nutrients. Many turtle owners prefer to give their pet cuttlefish because it also helps the turtle trim its beak.

The downside to squid and mineral blocks is that you need to be extra careful about what type of products you give your turtle. Many tortoise calcium products contain harmful chemicals, additives and binding agents that do not benefit your tortoise in any way.

Turtle food with calcium

There are many berries, fruits, and vegetables that are high in calcium, including

Food Calcium (milligrams per 100 grams) Collards 141 mg Parsley 138 mg Turnip Greens 137 mg Spinach 136 mg Kale 132 mg Beet Greens 114 mg Oranges 40 mg Mulberries 39 mg Tangerines 37 mg Kiwi 34 mg Blackberries 29 mg Papaya 20 mg Guava 18 mg

If you feed your turtle a diet rich in calcium, you must limit the amount of calcium supplements it receives when it is not very active (older turtle, winter inactivity).

Many believe that turtles can always regulate their calcium needs and only consume as much as they need. However, some turtle species live in areas with scarce resources, so their instincts can force them to eat as much as possible.

How Much Calcium Should a Turtle Have in Their Diet?

For every calorie of food, there should be 1.2 mg to 8 mg of calcium. Of course, you don’t have to be that specific to have a healthy turtle.

Active turtles that are still growing, mating, and laying eggs require much more calcium than older and inactive ones.

Learn about the early warning signs of MBD and other nutritional disorders so you know when it’s time to make changes to your turtle’s diet.

A turtle’s shell is a critical part of its anatomy, and the shell must be properly cared for to keep your turtle healthy. Understanding the shell and caring for it safely and effectively is essential for any tortoise or tortoise owner.

What is a turtle shell?

More than just a shell, a turtle’s shell is part of the animal’s skeleton and is made up of fused bones, including a series of ribs, the spine, and the sternum. The back of the shell is called the carapace, and the belly of the shell is called the plastron. Blood vessels and nerves run through the shell and protect the turtle’s vital organs. The bones of the shell are covered with a thick layer of skin and hard layers of keratin, the same protein that makes up hair and fingernails. These outer layers of keratin, called scutes, are shed as the turtle grows and new scutes form, and they protect the turtle from bruises and scratches. However, a turtle never fully sheds its shell and cannot be removed from its shell.

Problems with turtle shells

Just as other animals can develop problems with their fur and skin, turtles can develop problems with their shells. Shell rot is caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Uneven growth of the grooves can lead to pyramidal formation of the shell, which is a deformed shape, and shells, like bones, can be cracked, split, chipped, or broken. Symptoms of turtle shell problems include…

Pits, divots, or soft spots in the shell

Visible breaks or cracks

Red or discolored tints on the shell

Uneven flaking of scales

A slimy coating that is not algae

Sharp or strong odors

Blood or discharge from a break or tear

Turtle shell problems can have many causes, from improper care to poor diet to accidental injuries. Calcium deficiency, a dirty environment, insufficient sunlight, and excess moisture can also cause irregularities in a turtle’s shell. If problems are noticed, it is important that you take your turtle to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Turtle shell care

Fortunately, maintaining good tortoise shell care is easy to keep your reptilian friend healthy, and good general tortoise care will minimize the risk of shell problems.

Provide adequate living space

Different species of turtles require different living conditions. Make sure your turtle has enough space to move around and explore in its home and that its tank or cage is kept at the right temperature and humidity for the turtle’s needs.

Different species of turtles require different living conditions. Make sure your turtle has enough space to move around and explore in its home and that its tank or cage is kept at the right temperature and humidity for the turtle’s needs. Avoid obstacles or dangers

Turtles can get into more trouble than many pet owners realize, and it’s important that your turtle doesn’t get stuck in tight spaces, fall off, or accidentally fall on something that could damage its shell in the tank or cage.

Turtles can get into more trouble than many pet owners realize, and it’s important that your turtle doesn’t get stuck in tight spaces, fall off, or accidentally fall on something that could damage its shell in the tank or cage. Keep the habitat clean

Dirty bedding, rotting food, and unclean water can harbor bacteria that can infect a turtle’s shell. Clean the tank or cage regularly, discard uneaten food, and wipe down the food and water dish daily to protect your turtle from infection.

Dirty bedding, rotting food, and unclean water can harbor bacteria that can infect a turtle’s shell. Clean the tank or cage regularly, discard uneaten food, and wipe down the food and water dish daily to protect your turtle from infection. Ensure a healthy diet

Different tortoises have different dietary needs and you should do some research on what foods are best for your tortoise or tortoise. Offer a variety of foods to keep your turtle healthy and include vitamin, mineral, and calcium supplements in the diet necessary for good nutrition.

Different tortoises have different dietary needs and you should do some research on what foods are best for your tortoise or tortoise. Offer a variety of foods to keep your turtle healthy and include vitamin, mineral, and calcium supplements in the diet necessary for good nutrition. Make sure you have enough sunlight

Turtles need plenty of sunlight for a healthy shell, and daily doses of sunlight are essential for a healthy turtle. UV lights or tank lights can be useful substitutes or additions, and make sure your turtle has a comfy sun rock so she can use the time to sunbathe.

Turtles need plenty of sunlight for a healthy shell, and daily doses of sunlight are essential for a healthy turtle. UV lights or tank lights can be useful substitutes or additions, and make sure your turtle has a comfy sun rock so she can use the time to sunbathe. Protect your turtle

Always be very careful when your turtle is outside of its tank or cage and protect it from wild pets, unexpected dangers, or unsafe handling. Even a small fall or fall can injure a turtle, so always handle these reptiles with care to protect their shells.

Always be very careful when your turtle is outside of its tank or cage and protect it from wild pets, unexpected dangers, or unsafe handling. Even a small fall or fall can injure a turtle, so always handle these reptiles with care to protect their shells. Examine your turtle’s shell

The sooner you notice problems with your turtle’s shell, the sooner you can take steps to fix those problems and keep your pet healthy. Check your turtle’s shell closely every week for any unusual changes, and have it checked regularly by a vet for expert care.

By taking proper care of the tortoise shell, you can minimize the risk of problems that can injure your tortoise or tortoise. If problems do occur, patience is required. Turtles can heal, but it’s a slow process that requires dedicated care to ensure they get the right treatment. Check in with your vet regularly to keep your turtle’s shell in good condition, and your pet will live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Is this to prevent future damage to the turtles or is this for the turtles while they are already in some form of calcium deficiency? My turtles are babies but I want them to grow up healthy. Should I buy this now or wait until they get older?

Answer by Chewy • Sep 26 2019 The Zoo Med Dr. Turtle Calcium Block Slow Release Turtle Supplement can be used to prevent and treat some soft shell issues. It is safe to use on hatched turtles. 1 report

Answer this question

If you’re curious about what turtles eat, there are several species of turtles you could have as pets, including semi-aquatic turtles like red-eared sliders or box turtles, and tortoises like tortoises. Since every turtle has different dietary needs, make sure you choose from the correct turtle food list below.

Fresh food for your house turtle Popular foods for house turtles, depending on the species, are: Protein: boiled eggs, mealworms, snails, crickets, earthworms

: Boiled eggs, mealworms, snails, crickets, earthworms Vegetables : Corn, beans, beets, carrots, peas, squash, sweet potatoes

: Corn, beans, beets, carrots, peas, squash, yams Greens : Carrot tops, lettuce, kale, kale, mustard greens

: Carrot Tips, Lettuce, Collards, Kale, Mustard Greens Fruits : Apples, Grapes, Strawberries, Honeydew Melon, Banana, Kiwi, Mango, Tomato

: apples, grapes, strawberries, honeydew melon, banana, kiwi, mango, tomato Flowers: geraniums, dandelions, petunias, lilies, cloves In addition to a range of pet food and supplements, pet turtles provide an additional source of calcium – necessary for a strong, healthy diet Shell – is also a good idea. Crushed egg shells, oyster shells, and squid are fantastic sources of calcium to add to your turtle’s diet on a regular basis (weekly or twice a week).

Pet Turtle Feeding Tips The best diet for a pet turtle is one that is fresh and varied to provide a range of food sources. Just like humans, turtles have individual tastes, and offering different foods will help keep the turtle well fed and happy. Other tips for feeding pet turtles include: Avoid offering turtles dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. You can’t digest dairy products and they will make you sick.

Baby tortoises should be fed every day, while adult tortoises can eat four to five times a week.

Only offer adult tortoises protein sources every two to three days to avoid too much protein in the tortoise’s diet, which can lead to pyramid formation.

Avoid raw meat or hamburgers as these can rot before the turtle eats them.

Avoid processed foods like crackers or bread, which may contain ingredients that do not support your turtle’s health.

Offer food in small pieces that are easier for the turtle to eat, especially baby turtles. Turtles have no teeth and use their jaws to cut food into bite-sized pieces.

Fresh foods are best; Don’t leave food in a turtle’s tank or cage where it can mold or rot. Always clean the feed bowl before adding another portion.

What do turtles eat in the wild? Turtles living in the wild are like most other reptiles; they eat everything that gets in their way. A turtle’s diet depends on regional factors and what it has access to in its habitat. Aquatic turtles and tortoises have different diets.

What do aquatic turtles (water or sea turtles) eat? Aquatic turtles, like softshell turtles, primarily eat protein found in the water. These proteins can consist of: Fish

grilling

be crazy

snails

Crayfish Larger aquatic turtles, such as B. snapping turtles may eat ducks or other birds resting on the water surface.

What do tortoises eat in the wild? Land tortoises, like desert tortoises, are typically herbivores, eating plants they encounter in their region. Foods they are allowed to eat include: Grass

leaves

wildflowers

cacti and cactus bulbs

Fruits like blueberries, palmetto berries and raspberries

updated on 06/29/2021

Cuttlebone is a great calcium supplement for turtles and tortoises. It offers them great enrichment. Not just nutritionally, but also as something to interact with. Especially for sea turtles.

What is Cuttlebone?

Interestingly, cuttlebone is an actual bone of the squid – Sepia officinalis. They are closely related to octopus. They produce a brown ink, after which the color sepia is named. (PBS)

Photo: Richard James on Flickr

Squid also have a remarkable camouflage mechanism. Watch this video from BBC:

Cuttlebone certainly comes from a remarkable creature! All we really need to know is that it’s loaded with calcium for our turtles to eat.

Where do you get cuttlebone

You can often find squid sold for birds in pet stores and large department stores. I’ve never tried giving my turtles cuttlebone for birds, but it shouldn’t make much of a difference if it’s easy for you to pick up that way. Note, however, that you remove the piece of metal that is usually included to attach the bone to a birdcage.

You can also sometimes find cuttlebones in specialty pet stores. You should examine them to make sure they are not overly discolored or have a strong odor.

This can be a great deal if they are offered in large quantities and are of good quality. Unless you have extra large turtles, I would recommend avoiding large cuttlefish. Some of it is more likely to be wasted if a whole piece floats rather than breaking the sepia into pieces.

If you don’t have a pet store near you that stocks squid in bulk for a good price, I would recommend buying the squid product made by Zoo Med: Turtle Bone. They come in 2 packs and are often available at pet stores.

Or you can easily pick them up online.

Find them here on Chewy.com. (affiliate link)

Shop here on Amazon.

Here’s how to offer your turtles cuttlebone

A cuttlebone can be placed in a water setup or in a land setup. It can also be offered to any tortoise or tortoise. You can experiment with leaving it whole or breaking it up into pieces (which can be ideal for adding to land setups).

In aquariums, I have found that floating a whole bone in the water allows my turtle to munch on it for weeks before it starts to discolor or is eaten entirely.

If your turtle just doesn’t seem to like it after several weeks of having access to it, consider offering it again in a month or two. Keep offering it regularly, even if they haven’t shown any interest yet. You never know when your turtle’s tastes or needs will change.

The hard “backing” that is on one side of all cuttlefish should be removed for safety and to make them more attractive to your turtle.

This pad is harder than the rest of the bone and may or may not be a problem for your turtle. A common myth is that the back is actually made of plastic; that is not true. It is a natural part of the bone but can be hard and sharp compared to the rest.

With this in mind, the safest way to offer cuttlefish is to carefully remove this backing with a knife. It’s a thin layer and should come off without much trouble. If you accidentally break the whole piece into pieces while removing the backing, that’s okay. Whether you give it to your tortoise(s) in pieces or in one large piece is a matter of taste.

Once the pad is removed it is safe for any tortoise or tortoise. Therefore, it can also be given to turtles of any age. Hatchlings may not bite hard enough to eat it, and young turtles may be less interested than adult turtles. For these reasons, you should wait until your turtle is 10 months or more before offering Cuttlebone. But again, it doesn’t hurt at any age.

Be sure to throw away your sepia if it’s noticeably discolored or dirty.

Take Home Points

Cuttlebone Pros and Cons:

Pros: Great calcium supplement, inexpensive, fortified

Cons: Not all turtles take advantage when offered, some may need to be discarded if dirty or discolored

Recommended for: Most tortoises and tortoises

Not recommended for: Baby turtles and turtles too small to bite the cuttlefish

References:

PBS pet guide (found here)

Visit Richard James on Flickr (here)

Turtles come in many different sizes and colors, but one thing all turtles have in common is a love of food. As a turtle owner, you want to make sure you’re feeding your little friend only the best, most nutritious food to keep him healthy. What are some good options to offer when preparing your turtle’s daily meals?

One food you might consider feeding your turtle is a banana. Can turtles, including the ever-popular box turtle, eat bananas? Yes, bananas are safe food for box turtles and other tortoises as well, but they should only be fed in moderation.

Turtle Nutrition: The Basics

Unlike their tortoise cousins, who are primarily herbivores, tortoises are primarily omnivores, requiring both plant and animal food. The ratio of plant-to-animal food you should offer your pet depends on the species of turtle, as well as its age and health. For example, a healthy box turtle will often eat 50% plant foods and 50% animal foods.

Of the plant foods you feed your turtle, the majority should be vegetables rather than fruits like bananas. Given a choice, turtles—like many of us—would rather eat something other than vegetables. Fruits are not as nutritious to turtles as vegetables.

Feeding too much fruit can result in your turtle filling up on sweet treats and falling behind in the diet by neglecting to eat their veggies!

How to feed bananas to turtles

To keep their enclosure as clean as possible, feed turtles in a shallow bowl that cannot be easily knocked over.

It’s a good idea to shred better-tasting foods, like bananas, and mix them in with other, less tasty foods, like veggies. This makes it harder for the turtle to eat the vegetables in favor of the bananas and other fruits.

Turtles can eat the whole banana including the peel! If you own a turtle, do your part to avoid food waste by feeding your turtle your banana peel instead of throwing it in the trash.

Other plant-based foods to feed your turtle

In addition to bananas, your turtle can enjoy a wide variety of plant-based food sources. Flowers, lucerne hay and various vegetables can be offered. Dark leafy greens like collards, kale, and dandelion are the most nutritious vegetables and should make up the majority of the planting materials offered.

In addition to the dark green, you can offer your tortoise smaller amounts of other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or squash. Avoid feeding light green vegetables like iceberg lettuce as they will saturate your turtle with little nutritional value.

Other fruits offered alongside bananas are berries, peaches, kiwi and apples. Again, you should weight the fruit to vegetable ratio heavily toward vegetables when preparing your turtle’s meal. Wash all fruits and vegetables before feeding. Turtles can eat vegetables either cooked or raw, but raw is generally the most nutritious for them.

What about animal foods?

It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian about whether and how much animal food you should feed your turtle.

If your vet suggests feeding pet food, consider the following:

mealworms

grilling

snails

Hard boiled egg

A commercial turtle pellet food can also be a good source of a balanced diet.

Also, scavenging bugs from your yard to feed your turtle is not a good idea. Wild insects may contain traces of pesticides or bug-killing chemicals that could be toxic to turtles. Instead, buy your turtle insect and worm meal from a pet store.

What not to feed your turtle

Besides wild-caught insects, what other foods should you avoid when feeding your turtle?

Well, turtles shouldn’t be fed human junk food or snacks, even though they might enjoy it.

Don’t feed your turtle raw meat or dairy products like yogurt or cheese.

Foods that are toxic to turtles and should never be fed include:

chocolate

avocado

tomato leaves or vines

You may also ask: can turtles eat tomatoes? What you need to know!

Do Turtles Need Supplements?

Ask your veterinarian what is best for your particular species of turtle. In many cases it is recommended that turtles receive regular calcium supplementation and often a multivitamin as well.

Do not give your turtle any vitamins or other food supplements without first checking with your veterinarian. Too much of a good thing definitely applies when it comes to turtles and vitamins. Oversupplementing certain vitamins can do more harm than good and even be toxic.

Conclusion

Bananas can be a sweet addition to your turtle’s diet. Just make sure your smart turtle isn’t ignoring its other, more nutritious foods. turtles, such as B. Box turtles can be fun, easy-to-keep pets, but make sure you’re willing to take on the responsibility of keeping your turtle healthy and safe. Sometimes that means not letting them eat as many bananas as they’d like!

Read topics:

Selected image source: semper-scifi, Shutterstock

The turtle’s shell provides ample protection for its delicate body inside. Whether the turtle is in an aquarium or in the wild, strong shells are a must for a healthy turtle. If you notice your turtle’s shell is soft, your turtle is probably unhealthy and needs attention right away.

Most likely, your turtle’s shell is soft because it has a metabolic bone disease. Metabolic bone disease is often caused by poor diet or poor lighting, both of which prevent the turtle from properly absorbing calcium in the blood. Without calcium, turtles will develop metabolic bone disease, resulting in a soft shell. A bacterial infection could also be to blame.

To learn more about why your turtle’s shell is soft and tips on what to do about it, read on. In this article, we’ve explained in detail the five most common causes of a soft turtle shell, metabolic bone disease, and more. Let’s start.

What is Metabolic Bone Disease?

As we learned above, metabolic bone disease is the most common reason for a turtle to have a soft shell. But what exactly is this disease?

Metabolic bone disease occurs whenever the turtle’s skeletal structure, carapace, and plastron are weakened due to an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus. Calcium is very important for many creatures, but especially for turtles. It acts as a biochemical messenger, acting in many ways and transmissions.

Without the right amount of calcium, your turtle’s shell and skeletal system will likely be soft. Also, the turtle’s muscles can have trouble contracting, including in the heart. Turtles also have the inability to form blood clots.

Turtles are just one animal that can suffer from metabolic bone disease. Almost all reptiles are particularly susceptible to this disease and require supplemental calcium to stay healthy.

5 reasons your turtle’s shell is soft

1. It’s a baby.

Many turtles are born with relatively soft shells. This is perfectly normal, but you must exercise extreme caution when keeping a young turtle. Most turtles will not fully develop their shell until they have lived for months, if not years.

If your turtle is a baby or very young and has a soft shell, there is nothing wrong with this turtle. Continue to care for your tortoise as you have been doing, making sure it has adequate food, light, and a clean environment to keep it in a tough shell.

2. Calcium deficiency.

Once turtles have fully developed their hard shell, the shell should stay that way well after they die. If you notice your adult turtle’s shell becoming soft, it means there is a problem with your turtle’s health. Most likely, your tortoise is suffering from a calcium deficiency, which may lead to metabolic bone disease.

Metabolic bone disease is often caused by a lack of materials, particularly calcium, in your turtle’s bloodstream. Even if you feed your turtle pellets that contain calcium, your turtle may not be getting enough. You can add more calcium to your turtle’s diet to ensure your turtle is getting enough to maintain its hard shell.

3. The tank is poorly lit.

Lighting plays a big part in your turtle’s health. In the wild, turtles are exposed to plenty of UVB light. When turtles are kept indoors, they absolutely need UVB light to keep their shell hard and healthy. A lack of UVB lighting is likely to blame if the turtle’s soft shell is accompanied by a white residue.

Also, you need to add basking spots for your turtle. Basking lights will dry turtles and absorb D3. Without a basking spot, your tortoise can have nutrient deficiencies, leading to metabolic bone disease, as we learned earlier.

4. The water temperature is too low.

Water temperature plays a big role in your turtle’s health. The water in the turtle tank should be between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The air should be about 10 degrees higher. Keep a thermostat in the tank to monitor its temperatures.

5. It has an infection.

The last possible reason your turtle has a soft shell is that it has some kind of infection. Often, untreated bacterial infections will weaken and damage the shell and wreak havoc on other parts of your turtle’s body.

What to do if your turtle has a soft shell What to do if your turtle has a soft shell

Because your tortoise needs a hard shell to stay happy and healthy, you must act quickly if you notice that their shell is softening. Here’s what you should do if your turtle has a soft shell:

Determine the cause

The first thing to do when your turtle has a soft shell is to determine the cause. If your turtle is a baby, this is likely the cause and nothing to worry about. In an adult, check the lighting system and temperature. If any of these issues are unbalanced or unsuitable for turtles, address them accordingly.

Supplement more calcium

If lighting and temperature aren’t responsible for your turtle’s soft shell, diet and nutrient deficiencies are likely. Supplement your turtle’s diet with more calcium. Even if the temperature or light in the tank was to blame, supplementing the diet with more calcium will help your turtle get back on track faster. You may want to continue giving your turtle calcium after the shell has healed.

Get antibiotics

Although metabolic bone disease is more likely to be responsible for a soft shell, we have learned that bacterial infections can also cause a soft shell. If there are no other signs of metabolic bone disease and the soft shell is accompanied by oddly colored patterns, see your veterinarian for antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

When to see a vet

If your turtle has a soft shell and fixing the shell and adding more calcium doesn’t work after a few days, contact your veterinarian. In the event that the soft shell is a business through rapid weight loss, take your turtle to the vet immediately.

Final Thoughts

Unless your tortoise is a baby, you should be alarmed when you notice that your tortoise has a soft shell. Most likely, your turtle is suffering from some form of metabolic bone disease as a side effect of poor diet, poor lighting, or poor temperature. The soft shell could also be caused by a bacterial infection.

In all of these cases, you need to take extra care of your tortoise. Supplement their diet with calcium and take your turtle to the vet if needed. If you don’t act quickly, the damage could be irreversible or worse – fatal.

Next on your reading list:

Selected image source: Mark_Kostich, Shutterstock

We hear about the benefits of calcium all the time, but sometimes it takes more than that to really understand why it’s such an important part of our diet. A few months ago I fractured my shoulder blade in a freak accident while walking my dog ​​(it was as embarrassing as it sounds). After weeks of ignoring the pain, I found myself in the orthopedist’s office in the company of motorcyclists and athletes with similar injuries. One of the first things my orthopedist recommended was to increase my calcium intake—right away. We’ve heard it again and again, but this vital mineral is crucial for strengthening bones and preventing injuries. Surprisingly, calcium also plays a role in everything from heart health to maintaining proper body weight, so it’s important to get enough of it every day.

sources of calcium

One of the best, cheapest, and most bioavailable sources of calcium is eggshells. Yes, regular old eggshells. And with nothing more than a coffee grinder and a few clean bowls, you can whip up your own calcium powder in under an hour. So go ahead and give your smoothies (or juice, soup or morning elixir) a boost with this DIY Eggshell Calcium Powder.

I’ve been making a smoothie kick for breakfast lately. It’s one of the few meals of the day where I feel like I can eat fruits and veggies without having to force it. Not only do I just feel healthier eating them, I love how smoothies are a great base for adding other vitamins and minerals to my diet.

Calcium is one of those minerals that’s important for bodily processes, but it can be difficult to get enough of it the old-fashioned way. It’s found in leafy greens and broccoli, but you need to eat lots of it to see noticeable benefits. And supplementation isn’t always the perfect solution. Over-the-counter calcium supplements can be rough on the stomach and difficult to absorb.

Whole calcium sources, on the other hand, are a different story altogether.

Why do you get your calcium from eggshells?

Egg shells are made up almost entirely of calcium carbonate, which is exactly what makes up our nails, teeth, and bones. They’re also loaded with protein, magnesium, selenium, strontium, and other compounds said to be good for bones and joints. Because it is a whole food (not an artificial supplement), it is easier for our bodies to assimilate and absorb the nutrients found in eggshells. And the best part is that they are 100% free and zero waste. Just save your old clams (I like to freeze mine until I’ve saved up enough) and you can help reduce food waste in your kitchen.

How to make eggshell calcium powder

If you have a small family or don’t typically eat a lot of eggs at a time, I recommend hoarding your shells over time. You’ll sanitize the shells before making your calcium powder, so you can just pop the leftover egg shells into a container in the fridge while you stock up (make sure you rinse them first). If I leave them in the fridge for less than five days, I’ve never had a problem with the mussels starting to smell. If you need more time to accumulate your clams, simply store them in the freezer until you’ve had enough.

Then simply add half a teaspoon of calcium powder to your morning smoothie to give it a nutrient boost.

deliveries

10-12 eggshells

Medium pot

baking tray

coffee or spice grinder

instructions

summary

Calcium (Ca), chemical element, one of the Group 2 (IIa) alkaline earth metals of the Periodic Table. It is the most common metallic element in the human body and the fifth most common element in the earth’s crust.

Occurrence, properties and uses

Calcium does not occur naturally in the free form, but compounds of the element are common. A calcium compound, lime (calcium oxide, CaO), was used extensively by the ancients. The silvery, fairly soft, light metal itself was first isolated (1808) by Sir Humphry Davy after mercury was distilled from an amalgam formed by the electrolysis of a mixture of lime and mercuric oxide. The name for the element was taken from the Latin word for lime, calx.

Calcite Calcite is the most common form of natural calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ). It is a widespread mineral known for the beautiful development and great variety of its crystals. AdstockRF

Britannica Quiz 118 Periodic Table Names and Symbols Quiz The periodic table consists of 118 elements. How well do you know their symbols? In this quiz you will be shown all 118 chemical symbols and have to choose the name of the chemical element that each one represents.

Calcium makes up 3.64 percent of the Earth’s crust and 8 percent of the Moon’s crust, and its cosmic abundance is estimated at 4.9 × 104 atoms (on a scale where the abundance of silicon is 106 atoms). As calcite (calcium carbonate), it is found on Earth in limestone, chalk, marble, dolomite, egg shells, pearls, coral, stalactites, stalagmites, and the shells of many marine animals. Calcium carbonate deposits dissolve in water containing carbon dioxide to form calcium bicarbonate, Ca(HCO 3 ) 2 . This process often leads to the formation of caves and can result in the deposition of limestone in the form of stalactites and stalagmites. As calcium hydroxyphosphate, it is the main inorganic component of teeth and bones and occurs as the mineral apatite. As calcium fluoride, it occurs as fluorite or fluorspar. And as calcium sulfate, it occurs as anhydrite. Calcium is found in many other minerals such as aragonite (a type of calcium carbonate) and gypsum (another form of calcium sulfate), as well as many feldspars and zeolites. It is also found in a large number of silicates and aluminosilicates, in salt deposits and in natural water bodies, including the sea.

Formerly produced by the electrolysis of anhydrous calcium chloride, pure calcium metal is now produced commercially by heating lime with aluminum. The metal slowly reacts with the oxygen, water vapor and nitrogen in the air to form a yellow coating of oxide, hydroxide and nitride. It burns in air or pure oxygen to form the oxide and reacts rapidly with warm water (and more slowly with cold water) to produce hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide. When heated, calcium reacts with hydrogen, halogens, boron, sulfur, carbon and phosphorus. Although it compares favorably to sodium as a reducing agent, calcium is more expensive and less reactive than the latter. However, in many deoxidation, reduction and degassing applications, calcium is preferred due to its lower volatility and is used to produce chromium, thorium, uranium, zirconium and other metals from their oxides.

Get a Britannica Premium subscription and get access to exclusive content. subscribe now

The metal itself is used as an alloying agent for aluminium, copper, lead, magnesium and other base metals; as a deoxidizer for certain high temperature alloys; and as getters in electron tubes. Small amounts of calcium are used in many alloys for special purposes. Alloyed with lead (0.04 percent calcium), it is used, for example, as a sheathing for telephone cables and as a grid for stationary accumulators. When added to magnesium-based alloys at levels of 0.4 to 1 percent, it improves the resistance of degradable orthopedic implants to biological fluids and allows for complete tissue healing before the implants lose their structural integrity.

Naturally occurring calcium consists of a mixture of six isotopes: calcium-40 (96.94 percent), calcium-44 (2.09 percent), calcium-42 (0.65 percent) and, to a lesser extent, calcium-48, calcium- 43 and calcium-46. Calcium-48 undergoes double beta decay with a half-life of approximately 4 × 1019 years, making it stable for all practical purposes. It is particularly rich in neutrons and is used in the synthesis of new heavy nuclei in particle accelerators. The radioactive isotope Calcium-41 occurs in trace amounts on Earth through the natural bombardment of Calcium-40 by neutrons in cosmic rays.

Calcium is essential for both plant and animal life and is used extensively as a signal converter, enzyme cofactor, and structural element (eg, cell membranes, bones, and teeth). Many living organisms concentrate calcium in their shells or skeletons, and in higher animals calcium is the most abundant inorganic element. Many important carbonate and phosphate deposits owe their formation to living organisms.

New from Britannica New from Britannica In 1889, in Victorian London, mail was often delivered 12 times a day, from about 7.30am to 7.30pm. See all the good facts

The human body is made up of 2 percent calcium. The main sources of calcium in the human diet are milk, dairy products, fish and green leafy vegetables. The bone disease rickets occurs when a lack of vitamin D impairs the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract into the extracellular fluid. The disease primarily affects infants and children.

access denied

Your access to the NCBI website at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has been suspended due to possible misuse/abuse of your website. This is not an indication of a security issue such as a virus or attack. It could be something as simple as a script running away or learning how to make better use of e-utilities http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK25497/ to work more efficiently so that your work this does not affect the ability of other researchers to also use our website. To restore access and understand how you can better interact with our site to avoid this in the future, ask your system administrator to contact [email protected].