Russian tortoises need calcium in their diet. Calcium helps develop strong, healthy bones and is vital to bodily functions. Without proper calcium, Russian tortoises can develop metabolic bone disease (MBD), which can be painful. MBD often leads to deformity and sometimes death, if left untreated. Calcium for your Russian tortoise is very important for health and longevity.
So, when researching how to keep a Russian tortoise healthy, it is 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, you do not need vitamin D3. But, if it’s cold and your tortoise is inside, or if you have a baby Russian tortoise 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 supplement. This calcium supplement has a unique surface area, resulting in a better absorption rate.
Rep-Cal Phosphorous-Free Calcium Powder with Vitamin D3
Rep-Cal is an ultra-fine calcium powder that is made 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 Russian 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 cause a vitamin imbalance, where the 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 that results in a better absorption rate.
Liquid Calcium for Reptiles
Liquid calcium is a good option for tortoises that show signs of calcium deficiency. On the other hand, some tortoise keepers will use a liquid calcium because they find it easier to administer.
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.
- Spray the supplement directly onto your Russian tortoise’s food.
- Directly give the tortoise a few drops in its mouth.
Reptile Calcium and Vitamin Supplement
Typically, you shouldn’t use a supplement that is a calcium and vitamin supplement, as you can over supplement. 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 in order to regulate the tortoise’s consumption. After that, sprinkle it on the food a few times a week, as maintenance.
Cuttlebone for Russian Tortoises
In addition to adding a supplement to your Russian tortoise’s food, you can leave cuttlebone in the enclosure. Not all tortoises take to cuttlebone right away, but you may find that your tortoise will eat on it as he needs to.
