Why does my tort. want to eat the small white rocks found in soil? will this hurt her?
2007-06-09 07:11:42 · 5 answers · asked by kat 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
My aquatic turtle eats rocks sometimes too. It is a common problem. The rocks won't hurt them directly but if one gets stuck in the turtle's intestinal tract, it can become life-threatening so you should try to discourage him from doing it. Make sure there are no rocks in the area where your tortoise is. If he is only eating very small rocks, it may not be an issue. You should also look into buying a mineral supplement for your tortoise. Some people think they eat rocks to get vital minerals and I have found that it curbs my turtle's rock-eating a little bit. Good luck!
2007-06-09 07:53:44 · answer #1 · answered by koi-ness 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would agree with the first poster and try to discourage it.
The white bits in soil are perlite, a type of volcanic glass. A small amount won't harm her but I would be concerned if the habit continued. I would also agree that your tort is likely seeking minerals. Many tortoise owners use cuttlebone which is largely calcium carbonate (available at pet stores for birds), just break it into pieces for your tortoise. I occasionally give my tortoises Tums antacids which are also made of calcium carbonate and come fruit flavoured.
2007-06-09 09:32:16 · answer #2 · answered by Thea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Sulcata as well, Ive been told you shouldnt have any rocks, sand or such in his tank. I keep alfalfa hay in the bottom of the cage, it's ok for him to munch on and it wont hurt him in anyway.
You want to make sure he doesnt swallow one of the rocks and have it get stuck inside! That can be very bad for him and expensive for you!
Check out www.tortoise.org
they have quite a bit on info on turtles and tortises, and have a forum in which you can ask the pro's.
2007-06-09 09:38:19 · answer #3 · answered by Nessa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will not locate a secure haven to take sulcata. you ought to locate a rescue. Turtle properties is one. they are able that might actually assist you rehome your tort. They pass by means of purposes filed by means of adopters. you additionally can connect yahoo communities for african tortoise and that they are able to point you to rescues. i understand various human beings in FL w/sulcata, in case you want to digital mail me. stable success
2016-11-27 20:10:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunno, but its not good. switch ur bedding to pellets. my sulcata tortoise does fine in that.
2007-06-09 11:24:01 · answer #5 · answered by grs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋