Is there such a thing as too much calcium?

[robinwhiskers]

I have a snail I found in my backyard. I don't know exactly what kind of snail he is. I rescued him from drowning in the creek, and because he drifted into the water, I call him Drifter. Anyway, I just found him and my other snail Rocky three days ago, and I found my new slug Sadie four days ago. They are the only three gastropods I have had in a few months, so I just got them a cuttlebone today.

Sadie and Rocky were on the part of crushed cuttlebone I put in the tank for a few seconds, and just crawled away. I think they took a quick bite of it. Drifter, however, ate like all of the powder and I know he'll certainly eat more if I put more in. I know calcium is real good for these guys, but is there such thing as too much calcium? I don't want Drifter to eat too much of it if it's bad, but I want Sadie and Rocky to have some in their diet, too. Could I perhaps mix the powder with some water and just spritz in some calcium water 1-2 times a day? Reply if you can!

[leila]

Spraying them seems like it might irritate their skin. Slugs do not need as much calcium as snails for obvious reasons, but I am sure they will not eat it if it is making them feel poorly. Basically, I doubt this will be a problem, just keep an eye out for things like abnormal growth, lack of appetite, or obvious cuttle powder in their poop.

[morningcoffee]

Yes, snails can get too much calcium if they are "force-fed" it through having it sprinkled on their food or sprayed in. This can result in internal stones forming, leading to death. Snails are very good at regulating their own calcium intake - you should simply provide a calcium source in the tank and let them eat it or not as they choose.

[robinwhiskers]

Okay, thanks guys!