Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently took my torties for their physical. The reptilian specialist's office recommends TUMS, as a source of calcium. Not only for my reptiles, but also for my birds.

I used Neocalglucon in the past. It is a liquid syrup that my reptiles like quite a bit. Available through special order at any pharmacy, a liter can run close to $20, though. But TUMS is also water soluble, affordable, and fruity.

I have a pregnant friend who was told to take TUMS for her calcium too. It is very safe, obviously.

So you may consider dropping a little tab of TUMS as an alternate source of calcium for your torties too... Being so available and afordable, you can crush it and sprinkle on food, or dilute it in the water.

Just an FYI...

Wanda

>>So you may consider dropping a little tab of TUMS as an alternate source of calcium for your torties too... Being so available and afordable, you can crush it and sprinkle on food, or dilute it in the water.
>>

yeah a long while back my vet suggested the very same thing when I took in a rescued iguana who had severe MBD. She recommended getting the tablets that had at least 400 mg of calcium.

Tropical fruit flavored I think are the best for omnivore / herbivore herps. My iguana loved the banana and pina colada ones. If you crush it, it would be a good idea to invest in a good mortar and pestle to get it into a nice fine powder to sprinkle on food.... if it's left in broken chunks it might get lodged in a small animal's throat. I think large turtles like tortoises would have no problem with complete tablets.
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PHWyvern

Thanks for adding the crushing tip.
I just dissolve them.

Wanda

>>Thanks for adding the crushing tip.
>>I just dissolve them.
>>
>>Wanda

I never liked adding it to their water.. you can't guarantee how much they are getting then. sprinkling a little of the powder on the food you know they are gonna eat seems more efficient.
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PHWyvern