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My red is going through a growth spurt. I got to thinking about how this baby has gone from the size of a juvenile leopard gecko to two feet and a good pound and a half plus in just a few months. In order to sustain this growth a lot of calcium is required. Just a reminder...to give your tegus calcium.

Mike B

We supplement the diets of our Arg. Red and our Blue Tegu, but since they eat at different rates, its hard to monitor exactly how much calcium is being absorbed. So our tendency is to pour it on. But can you give too much calcium? Does anyone know the effects, or the signs of excessively high calcium intake?

Thanks......MAP

I've read about Mineralization of the internal organs, this can be found in the book 'Monitors, Tegus and Relates Lizards', heres the clip:

'This is caused by over-absorption of calcium, known as hypercalcemia. Treatment is both lengthy and expensive and requires about two weeks of monitoring by a veterinarian. Once the disease has been diagnosed and corrected it will be necesssary for you to reduce both calcium and D3 intake by your specimen. There is a fine line between too much and not enough calcium and Vitamin D3. Untreated or far too advanced, this disease can be fatal.'

Its a scary thought, but how much is enough? And how much is not enough?

I don't know. I suspect that while they are actively growing it doesn't hurt to "pour it on." As they mature then cut back.

Another view comes off the Rep-cal label that discusses calcium/phosphorus ratio and maintaining 1.5:1 Ca ratio is ideal. It goes on to say that bone meal contains phosphorus(bad) and their phosphorus free oyster shell is better.

And we haven't begun to discuss the importance of good UV lighting to the equation...and changing the bulbs every 6 months to keep them "fresh." According to my vet those Home Depot bulbs don't work. The more UVB the better. My tegu was outdoors at the time but I ran out a bought a Repti-glo 8.0 for when I brought them indoors.

I think as long as the diet is a good mix of fruit, mice, eggs, dusted and plain crickets, etc. And good lighting, there
shouldn't be a problem.

You brought up a good point but I think it was understated. UVB is essential in the process of absorbing calcium and processing vit D3 in your animal. Your UVB bulbs are very important. I highly suggest the Repti-Sun 5.0 they are widely used as a source of UV for most monitors. Calcium is particularly important to animals such as Tegus due to their incredible growth rate. If the calcium is not sufficient during hatchling to adult growth, MBD (Metabolic Bone Disesase) could become a factor. It ususally manifests itself through shaking limbs and or jaw alignment flaws. Once Tegus are full grown some keepers actually quit supplimenting their diets and just feed a complete diet. Some also choose to stop worrying about UV, I do not however. Just my two cents
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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

I might be wrong, but I always thought that reptiles that consumed whole animals such as mice did not require UVB light. The reason behind this being that there is plenty of vitamin D3 in the liver of whole animals. A lot of the successful monitor breeders don't use uvb and several snake keepers don't either.

Correct you are my friend. I did point this out in my post however. While I agree they may not require it as adults, I believe while they are growing it does benefit them. Also, in my opinion, they are a bit more active with UV. Both calcium suppliments and UV are often ceased after they become adults and the massive growth stops. It just helps grow strong and healthy Tegu bones From that point I think it is kind of keeper preference as to what they want. Also, many keepers don't give the "proper" diet in my experience so often they don't get all of the required vitamins. Sad but true unfortunately.
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Peace!
KofSeattle
Reptile-Like
Here lizard lizard.........

Late in August I thought my red had a sore foot. I took Rufus to the vet and she basically said my care was good but questioned my lighting and calcium suplementation. So I could watch him better I moved him indoors bought the 8.0 light and pushed the calcium.

Farmers say they can hear corn grow. I swear I can watch him for 15 minutes and he is bigger. And his growth is porportional. I don't think he is obese. His muscle tone and strength grows daily. I think the vets advise was sound and is working for me. Just wanted to share.

Mike B