Happy Turtles Pub

Supplements

There are many vitamin supplements for turtles on the market. Not only are these not necessary for a turtle eating a healthy diet, they can actually cause overdoses. There should also be no need for "medicated sulfa blocks" unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for turtles' growth. Consider how much calcium you need for your bones, then recall how many bones your turtle has! While it is natural in many vegetables, it is a good idea to provide a little extra dose once a week. Three common sources of calcium are listed below. Note: Be careful about the ratio of calcium to phosphorous. Phosphorus inhibits calcium from being useful. Avoid feeding your turtle spinach or anything in the brassica family.

Cuttlefish Bone

Cuttlefish bone is a wonderful calcium source. In addition to being a calcium supplement, it keeps the turtle's beak trimmed, and many turtles enjoy playing with it. You can find cuttlebone in the bird section of pet stores. Sometimes it is sold in bulk bins cheaper than in the packages. Rinse the cuttlebone and remove any metal backing that was attached (these are to attach it to a bird cage). Just let it float in the turtle's tank. Rinse it once a week to prevent anything from growing on it. It will slowly dissolve, and your turtle will nibble on it. Some turtles will attempt to eat the entire thing in one meal. This can cause an overdose. If your turtle does this, break up the cuttlebone with a hammer. Put in one small piece every week to regulate their intake.

Calcium Dusting

You can also purchase calcium powder and dust it on their food. These calcium dusts usually contain other nutrients as well, but the use of this is controversial due to the possible overdose of other nutrients. This does not work well for aquatic turtles since they must eat under water. It does work better for land turtles.

Calcium Blocks

You can also make your own calcium blocks with plaster, or you can buy calcium blocks. Be aware that many store bought calcium blocks are "medicated", and the use of these items is debatable in healthy turtles.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is necessary for calcium absorption. Turtles naturally generate Vitamin D3 from exposure to UVB rays. The best source of UVB is direct from the sun. The secondary source is from a UVB light (must specifically say "UVB" on it). These lights do not last permanently, so be sure to replace it every 6 months or every year, depending on the light and the manufacturer's specifications. Just because the UVB bulb is producing light does not mean it's producing viable UVB! The bulb will continue to produce visible light long after the UVB coating has worn off. In summer, consider letting your turtle go outside in a properly set up outdoor habitat, such as a kiddie pool. This will allow him to get plenty of good UVB direct from the sun.

Vitamin A

Both too little and too much Vitamin A can cause severe problems in turtles. The main symptom is swollen eyes for both illnesses. Be sure that your turtle gets Vitamin A by feeding foods like carrot, yam, and other colorful veggies. Beef liver is another good source for Vitamin A and other nutrients. Be warned, it is very stinky. We suggest feeding a carrot peel once a week.