Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We got this very big tortoise about 3 weeks ago, and we haven't been giving it any calcium suppliments cause we're out of the stuff and my boss hasn't picked any up for us cuz we are way up in the boonies of cal. I'm worried about how long the tortoise can go without it before it affects him. What would be the first signs of lack of calcium be?

If you are keeping him outside he will probably be fine for a while, just grow a lot of different grasses and weeds. Do you have access to cuttle bones? Many people keep them with their tortoises for them to chew on when they want to.

got any antacids or human calcium pills handy? Be sure you read the label and only use products that are 100% calcium. Smash the tablets up and sprinkle on his food. I am also in California, I use smashed oyster shell for my guys and have plenty. I can send you some if you need it.
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2.1 Albino BP
0.4 100% Het Albino
2.1 100% het Caramel Albino BP
1.0 100% Het Clown
1.0 50% het clown
2.12 Normal BP
0.0.2 Western Hognose
alot of cornsnakes
0.1.0 Dumeril Boa
3.6 Bearded Dragons
1.0.2 Sulcatta tortoise
3.3 Russian Tortoise
1.0 Cockatiel
0.1 Rottweiler
0.2 Boston Terriers
0.1 White Boxer
0.1 Paint Mare
bunch of geckos
0.1 Cat
0.1 Teenage daughter
1.0 Husband who puts up with all my critters.

I have been using the 'tums' type pills for years. Not actually Tums brand though. I look for cheap off brands. Their labels usually say 100% calcium carbonate. I would suggest checking the label on a human calcium pill supplement. Some use vitamin D2 as an addition. That is for humans. Reptiles utilize D3.
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James and Vickie Bryan
Bryan Reptiles
bryanreptiles.tripod.com
bryanreptiles@lycos.com
A good name is more desirable than riches
Proverbs 22:1