» Bearded Dragon Supplementation (Pogona vitticeps) |
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Author: Marsha Vacek
Diet Compound and Supplementation
Bearded dragons require a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P). .This
simply means that their intake of calcium and phosphorus should equal out to
approximately 2 parts Calcium to 1 part Phosphorus.
So when planning your diet, use the rule of 2CA:1PH, but be sure that they are
getting their vitamins and minerals as well.
Calcium and vitamins should be supplemented as follows for the different age
groups. This can be achieved by dusting the veggies or insect being fed.
Babies: hatchling to 5 months (every feeding)
Juveniles and Sub Adults: 6 months to 17 months (every other feeding)
Adults: 18 months and up (every third feeding)
Breeding females: (every other feeding)
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Calcium
Calcium is critical to a bearded dragons bone growth. If a bearded dragon
receives an inadequate amount of calcium within his/her diet, functions are
interrupted and problems incur. Since calcium helps to balance out phosphorus
levels, it is suggested that calcium intake be double the phosphorus intake.
When a bearded dragon is not receiving the appropriate amount of calcium that
it requires, it must begin pulling calcium from other resources throughout
their bodies. Most often the bones and spinal cord are affected by the calcium
inadequacies. By doing this, they are causing their bones to become frail.
Breakage of the bones is imminent and possible nerve damage occurs when the
pulling is coming from the spine. Twisted and deformed limbs are immediate
signs that your bearded dragon has contracted Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D is required for a variety of functions including the formation of
strong bones by aiding the absorption of dietary calcium. Basking bearded
dragons can make vitamin D3 with unfiltered sun light. The ultraviolet
radiation from the sun acts like a catalyst, which converts a substance known
as pro-vitamin D3 into pre-vitamin D3. In turn, this pre-vitamin D3 is
converted into vitamin D3, which binds to a blood protein and then can be
transferred to the liver via the bloodstream. This activated form of D3, then
can be utilized to influence the metabolism of dietary calcium and phosphorus.
So how can you supply this crucial vitamin to your bearded dragon? You can
supply vitamin D3 by purchasing the correct light. There are many so called
reptile lights on the market. Many of them only produce a spectrum of light
known as UVA rays. Although UVA rays are good for increasing appetite,
improving general fitness, and inducing reproductive behavior, they do not
produce the necessary vitamin D3. That can only be found in light rays
referred to as UVB. One of the best UVB-producing lights on the market today
(by opinion) is the MegaRay by Mac Industries, Inc. A good quality UVB-producing
light should be considered a necessity when configuring your dragons dietary
needs.
Copyright
This caresheet is © Marsha Vacek and Herp Center.
Any use without written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.
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