Pet Turtle : Calcium

Heard that old thing, about growing children needing calcium for good bones and teeth�well just think how important calcium would become if you also had a body-sized shell on your back!

Calcium is an essential mineral for your turtle to build healthy shells and bones. Without it, the turtles' shell can turn soft, and that can leave it crippled for life.

But be careful, the calcium source you are using should not contain high amounts of phosphorous, as phosphorous inhibits calcium absorption. Ideal calcium: phosphorous ratio is 2:1. A good source of calcium is green leafy vegetables. Diary products (milk, cheese, etc.) while high on calcium are also very high on phosphorous (and fat!) and should be avoided.

Calcium is so essential that you need to ensure your turtle is getting it through various different means. These are - cuttlefish bone, calcium dusting, calcium blocks, etc. Some of these are listed below:

Cuttlefish Bone
One of the best sources of calcium, its easily (@ INR 20-30 for a big piece) available at most pet/bird shops. The best thing is that it can be left floating in the tank. So whenever, the turtle feels like more calcium, it can nibble on this floating cuttlebone. The added advantage of this is that the turtles' beak remains nice and trimmed!

To serve cuttlefish bone, rinse well, and soak in clean water overnight. Then remove the hard layer from behind, dry and let it float in the habitat. Every week, remove it, rinse well under a strong jet of water (you can do a mild scrub, with a clean old toothbrush) and let it dry. Then return it to the habitat. Change you cuttlebone, once every 3-4 months.

Calcium Dusting
Powdered cuttlebone, or calcium powder (that is low in phosphorous) should be dusted on turtle food - vegetarian, non-vegetarian and live (on all except fishes and snails), just before feeding. If done regularly along with a cuttlefish bone in the tank, the calcium requirements of your turtle would be well met.

Calcium Blocks
In the absence or sometime along with cuttlefish bone, you can supplement the calcium intake by placing calcium blocks in the habitat. These locks can be created at home, and can additionally be supplemented with vitamins and minerals - forming 1 complete power-packed food for the turtles!
For more information on how to set calcium blocks, click here

Some suggested Human Calcium Supplements:
Calcium Sandoz Tablets (Calcium Carbonate - 625mg)
Approx. Retail Price: INR 40 for 30 tablets.
Dosage: Routine - 33% of the tablet (powdered) per supplementation. Increase to 50% for a deficient turtle.