Feeding and Nutrition :: Homemade calcium blocks

[kermitzaqd]

I read a recipe for homemade calcium blocks in a Red Eared Slider book somewhere along the line, but I can't seem to remember it.

Has anyone tried to make their own? Those little things get expensive. So far I've figured out that it's just calcium sulfate, but what else should go in it? I could put some turtle vitamin powder in there too, but would they get it if it's just released through the water?

I've heard of plaster of paris being used, because it's basically just calcium. I found a non-toxic kind, but I'm still not sure if I should use it, too scared to try without some collaboration with what other people have heard.

[urbancleopatra]

I just buy a cuttlebone made for a bird. They aren't too much.

[WyredHardware]

I am with Urbanclepatra go buy some cuttlebone. I got 2 big pieces for 1.20.... at that price it is just not worth the effort to make my own.

[marisa]

I third the cuttlebone. If it's the homemade calcium block I'm thinking of (plaster of paris?), then your turtle is better off with the cuttlebone (and life is easier for you).

[kermitzaqd]

I already use cuttlebone, but it gets expensive too. Many your turtles don't eat it as quickly as mine, but those things are gone in a week. I usually alternate cuttle bone with the calcium blocks just because they eat the cuttlebone so quickly that I can't seem to buy more fast enough. Just wanted some more ideas of what people are doing. Thanks for the input so far.

[Caelestis]

You can leave an egg (or bones maybe (calcium phosphate)) in vinegar and let the calcium carbonate dissolve off and float to the top and make powder from that. Why do that though when you can just buy some?

[Safdar]

Ya i got 2 huge pieces for 2.50

[ptcake]

I buy the calcium blocks and I agree they are expensive. I tried the cuttlebone, but my babies don't like it. I DID catch the female nipping at the calcium block, however, so another try with the cuttlebone might prove beneficial. I will be on the lookout for a recipe anyway. Could be fun.

[Blapple]

The cuttlebone is a really good idea. Never thought about that. I've just been spraying his pellets with liquid calcium and letting it soak in. Do you put the cuttlebone on land or in the water?

[Turtle_Turtle]

you can try getting snails because there shells have calcium in them and they clean your tank so you get a clean tank and a meal for your turtles its a 2 for 1

[SpotsMama]

You just put pieces of cuttlebone in the water and leave them for the turtle to snack on. Or you can put a piece of cuttlebone in a veggie clip. My turtle prefers his in a veggie clip because it doesn't float away when he tries to bite it. Be sure and pry/cut off the hard backing that's on one side of the cuttlebone. If the turtle doesn't eat it all and it gets old and slimy, then just replace it.

[tissigirl]

Where do you get calcium block? I've never seen it. My turtle pays no attention to cuttlebone so i've been wanting to try it.

I'm also considering the snail thing. Is there any advice before I go throw a couple in his tank?

[Turtle_Turtle]

heres a link
http://www.happyturtlespub.org/smf/index.php?PHPSESSID=b04833f5eaf3ea90be8a77562012035f&board=31.0

this turtle forum is crazy about snails they even have there own section for it

[tissigirl]

That link gave me more questions than answers!

[Turtle_Turtle]

well i didnt know specifically what u wanted so i just gave u a section\

edit:lol now i see oh well u can find it