Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since I live in smalltown USA.. the only Calcium supplement I could find is JURASSI CAL. Phosphorus/D3 FREE.

For reference purposes: 2.5.. 10-12" redfoots.. direct sun/total shade all day.. graze on clover/dandelions.. no commercial food.. scattered throughout 500 sq.' enclosure.

How much Calcium is the right/too much amount???? Is it possible to O.D.??

Any and all insight is most appreciated!!!

Thanks.. Terry

I can only say this.......I have been breeding redfoots for 25 years and I almost NEVER give supplimental calcium.
So don't panic.
You enclosure and diet sound perfect. A good diet has the calcium they need in it.
If you must, go to a health food store and buy calcium lactate and sprinkle it on the food once a week or so. It is way cheaper than buying the commercial calcium suppliments, that are in my opinion, a ripoff.
Or you can give them cuttlebone.

It wouldn't hurt to vary their diet more. Give them some other high quality greens. The occasional fruit or melon is a good idea too.

Thanks Carl..

Have worked with Leopards in the past.. transitioning over to Redfoots. Like priming a dry water pump.. you have to add some water and then pump like crazy until the "water" flows.. and then it just takes an "easy" constant pressure to keep it going.

Trying to get these RF's going on a "right" program.

Also feed every 2-3 days: cantaloupe.. peaches.. some kale/banana/corn once a week.

Remember "Wobbly"? She is biggest concern.. have been advised to add Calcium and some form of "animal" protein.. trying to get ratios right.. to get those legs and eggs strong!!

Please advise.

Thanks.. Terry

It sure wouldn't hurt to feed them pre-killed mice as a source of calcium and protein. But my personal view about RFs and their need for protein is that the need is exaggerated. Sure, they eat dead animals in the wild, and they would gobble up every snail and slug that they would find too. However, I often hear of keepers trying to treat RFs like they are snapping turtles or something.
A little extra protein goes a long way I think. Don't overdo it.
From what I have read about your animals everything seems fine.

Oh, here is another good source of occasional calcium that I use.........when we boil eggs to make egg salad I take the boiled eggshells and crush them up really fine and then mix them with other food items. I only use eggshells that have been boiled so that the risk of bacteria transmission (= salmonella) is greatly reduced.

Appreciate it!!

So get and stay balanced on a diet of fruit and dark greens.. with an occasional supplement of calcium and protein, will help
"Wobbly" smooth out..(in time) and ensure good egg development for all the females. Is that correct??

Thanks.. Terry

if you feel more comfortable adding more calcium in the form of supplements then do it. Unless you really go nuts, a little extra calcium isn't going hurt them.