Calcium is an important supplement for sulcata tortoises. Calcium helps develop strong, healthy bones and is vital to bodily functions. Without proper calcium, sulcata tortoises (and other reptiles) can develop metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD can be painful and often leads to deformity and sometimes death if left untreated.
So, it’s very important to buy a good calcium supplement for your tortoise.
Reptile Calcium with D3
Vitamin D3 is important for calcium absorption. If your tortoise goes outside for at least a few hours a week, do not get vitamin D3. But, if it’s cold and your tortoise is inside, or if you have a baby sulcata that is 100% inside, offer a calcium supplement with vitamin D3.
Zoo Med Reptile Calcium +D3
Zoo Med Repti Calcium is an ultra-fine phosphorus-free calcium carbonate supplement. This calcium supplement has a unique surface area per gram, resulting in a better absorption rate. If your tortoise doesn’t spend time inside, then offer the ZooMed Reptile Calcium with D3.
Rep-Cal Phosphorous-Free Calcium Powder with Vitamin D3
Rep-Cal is an ultra-fine calcium powder that is formulated from 100% natural oyster shell. It is phosphorus-free and includes vitamin D3 to aid in calcium absorption.
Reptile Calcium without D3
If you put your sulcata tortoise outside for at least a few hours a week, you do not need a supplement with D3. Choose a calcium supplement without vitamin D3. Too much vitamin D3 can actually cause a vitamin imbalance, where the tortoise’s body cannot properly absorb other nutrients.
Zoo Med Reptile Calcium
Zoo Med Repti Calcium without D3 is an ultra-fine phosphorus-free calcium carbonate supplement. This calcium supplement has a unique surface area per gram that results in a better absorption rate. If your tortoise spends its time outside, then offer the ZooMed Reptile Calcium without D3.
Liquid Calcium for Reptiles
Liquid calcium is a good option for tortoises that show signs of calcium deficiency. Or if you just don’t like using a powder calcium, then you may find liquid calcium supplement can be easier.
Fluker Labs Liquid Calcium Concentrated Supplement
Fluker’s liquid calcium is a high-quality liquid calcium supplement that can be added to drinking water. This calcium supplement is highly concentrated, so pay close attention to the directions.
Zilla Calcium Supplement Spray
Zilla Calcium Food Spray can be offered two different ways. 1) Spray the supplement directly onto your sulcata tortoise’s food. 2) Directly give the tortoise a few drops in its mouth. If you have a tortoise that is exhibiting signs of a calcium deficiency, directly give the tortoise the liquid calcium per the directions.
Reptile Calcium and Vitamin Supplement
Typically, you shouldn’t use a supplement that is a calcium and vitamin supplement. You can over supplement this way. But, Sticky Tongue Farms created Miner-All to keep the vitamins and minerals balanced.
Miner-All Calcium/Mineral Supplement, Indoor
Mineral-All is a great calcium mineral supplement for tortoises and other reptiles. The indoor formula includes vitamin D3. The outdoor formula does not contain D3. Give Miner-All daily for a few weeks to regulate your sulcata. After that, sprinkle it on greens and grasses a few times a week as maintenance.
Cuttlebone for Sulcata Tortoises
In addition to adding a supplement to your sulcata tortoise’s food, you can leave a cuttlebone in the enclosure at all times. Not all tortoises take to cuttlebone right away, but you may find that your tortoise will eat on it as he needs to.
