Bearded Dragon Calcium & D3 Schedule — 7-Day Dusting Plan

Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. D3 is required to absorb calcium. Without adequate UVB exposure, reptiles cannot synthesize their own D3 — they MUST get it from supplements or dietary sources. A calcium-deficient or D3-deficient dragon develops Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) within weeks, which causes permanent skeletal deformity and is often fatal.

Hatchlings and juveniles: daily (5-6 times per week, alternating D3 and plain). Sub-adults: 3-4 times per week. Adults: 2-3 times per week. If your UVB is weak or absent, increase D3-containing calcium frequency — but fixing the UVB is ALWAYS more important than supplementing more.

T5 HO (high output) 10-12% is the gold standard for bearded dragons (Arcadia D3+ or Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0). T5 HO 6% works if the dragon basks closer. Avoid T8 (too weak), CFL coil bulbs (cause eye issues + weak UVB), and ALL 'mercury vapor' bulbs marketed as combo heat+UVB (inconsistent UVB output). Replace T5 bulbs every 12 months even if they still light up — UV output degrades.

Lethargy, decreased appetite, rubber jaw (soft lower jaw), tremors or twitches, inability to lift body off ground, bent limbs or spine, swollen joints. Any of these signs in a bearded dragon warrants IMMEDIATE vet visit with a reptile specialist — MBD can progress from mild to fatal in weeks.

Yes. Hypercalcemia (too much calcium) causes soft-tissue calcification and organ damage. Excess D3 can cause calcium toxicity faster than calcium alone. Follow the schedule exactly — do NOT dust every single feeding with D3-containing calcium, especially if you have strong UVB. The 'more is safer' mindset is wrong for supplements.

Once per week for growing dragons, once every 10-14 days for adults. Use a reputable reptile multivitamin like Repashy Calcium Plus or Herptivite with beta-carotene (avoid preformed Vitamin A in multis unless specifically recommended by a reptile vet — can cause toxicity).