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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-calcium-supplement

Why do pet turtles and tortoises usually get a calcium supplement?

Calcium keeps bones and shell strong.

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  1. To make food taste sweet
  2. To keep bones and shell strong ✔
  3. To replace their UVB light

Why: Merck says most reptiles, even on balanced diets, benefit from extra calcium. UC Davis suggests dusting calcium powder on a turtle or tortoise meal once or twice a week.

Huh, didn't know that: Merck says to use only calcium products made for reptiles and to ask your vet before adding vitamin D3.

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Why was the tortoise so good at saving? It had a shell-ter account.
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References

Answer: To keep bones and shell strong. Merck says most reptiles, even on balanced diets, benefit from extra calcium. UC Davis suggests dusting calcium powder on a turtle or tortoise meal once or twice a week.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner): Providing a Home for a Reptile www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/reptiles/providing-a-home-for-a-reptile
    Most reptiles, even those on nutritionally balanced diets, benefit from dietary calcium supplementation.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. UC Davis California Veterinary Emergency Team: Avian and Exotics Animal Care and Feeding Guide (Jan 2025), Turtle/Tortoise Care cvet.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk13661/files/inline-files/CVET%20Avian%20and%20Exotics%20Animal%20Care%20and%20Feeding%20Guide%20010725.pdf
    Turtles and tortoises benefit from a calcium supplement once to twice a week.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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