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Calcium, Phosphor and Vitamin D3
For a healthy growth it is necessary that calcium and phosphorus are taken in with the food.
It is important to know that the organism of a turtle can utilize calcium only if vitamin D3
is present. This vitamin is partly produced by the turtle itself. The other part is
taken in with the food, in form of pre-vitamin D3. This is turned into vitamin D3
under the influence of UVB-lighting.
A disproportion of calcium, phosphor and vitamin D3 results in metabolic bone disease (MBD). The
symptoms are lethargy, a soft shell und swollen limbs. MBD is in fact a group of different
diseases, like osteomalacia, renal rickets and fibrous osteodystrophy.
The right proprotion of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 is important. The best way to achieve
it is a well balanced diet and direct sun light. A reasonable calcium:phosphorus ratio is 1-3:1,
this is the ratio of these minerals in the skeleton.
The sun light can be replaced by appropriate lighting. The required intensity is best achieved with
mercury vapour lamps, metal halide lamps or Active UV reflectors. All of them emit a small
portion of UVB waves. For an intensiv exposure to UVB light the Osram Vitalux 300 W is suitable.
The animals have to get used to this lamp slowly, and it may be applied for 20 minutes max. daily.
Sufficient temperatures are important as well, if the turtle does not reach its "working
temperatur" the metabolism does not function properly.
Be careful when using dietary supplements:
Vitamin D3 can be given with dietary supplements. It is difficult to meet the right
proportion of all substances though. Too much vitamin D3 has the same negative effect as a lack.
Supplements that contain both calcium and vitamin D3 have to be given carefully as well. An excess of
vitamin D3 and calcium at the same time is dangerous for vital organs. If just calcium is given via
dietary supplements and there is not enough vitamin D3 to convert it into a utilizable form the
calcium is defecated as calcium-phosphate, i.e. phosphorus is withdrawn, which is as dangerous as
a lack of calcium.
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