They're eating the gravel!

[Tr@cey]

Can anyone advise me if I need to worry. My torts seem to be eating bits of gravel. I've had a close look at the bits they are chomping on and they seem to bits of shell and bone. They are given calcidust daily and Nutrobal once a week.

Is it ok for them to do this?

[Crazee]

My Horsefield ate loads of stones last weekend and has been passing them out the other end this weekend. Eye watering big ones as well. We have tried to stop him, but he is quite determined and we can't watch him all the time. I would also like to know if this is normal/okay.

I have searched around on here and the general consensus seems to be that the odd small stone occasionally is okay, but last weekend was over that by a long way!

[Dawn Fletcher]

These torts sound like they are trying to search out extra calcium.

So If you don't already provide Limestone flour and Cuttlefish bone on a daily basis now might be the time to do so......You can buy limestone flour and cutlefish bone really easily on Ebay......so I would look their for stock on both.

Take care

Dawn

[Tr@cey]

Originally Posted by Dawn Fletcher

These torts sound like they are trying to search out extra calcium.

So If you don't already provide Limestone flour and Cuttlefish bone on a daily basis now might be the time to do so......You can buy limestone flour and cutlefish bone really easily on Ebay......so I would look their for stock on both.

Take care

Dawn

They have cuttle fish bone, limestone flour they don't have unless that is what calcidust is, in which case they have that sprinkled on their food everyday.

They are very healthy and pass an appropriate amount of urates regularly.

Thanks for your help, all I really need to know is, will it hurt them?

[Dawn Fletcher]

as long as their not sharp and only small and small enough to pass.....the short answer is no !

Dawn
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[linda]

Thanks for your help, all I really need to know is, will it hurt them?

yes there is a chance of them becoming hurt

the stones could build up and become impacted
causing impactation
the stone could scratch the tortoise internally
from the mouth and all internal digestive tracts though to the tail region

but the stones may do no damage
passing through with no harm

i should imagine it depends upon
the size of the stones
the smoothness of the stones
the amount being consumed

[Alan1]

I've had a close look at the bits they are chomping on and they seem to bits of shell and bone

That's not really gravel then. Is it oyster shell because some people actually give that for calcium?

[Tr@cey]

Originally Posted by caledonia

That's not really gravel then. Is it oyster shell because some people actually give that for calcium?

I don't know if it's Oyster but it is mainly bits of shell. Probably a few bits of fish bone too. I think I'll just keep a close eye on them. If I notice them eating stones I think I'll do what I've been advised on another forum and that is to sieve the small ones out. Very big enclosure...very big job! I hope it doesn't come to that!

[16 shells]

This stone eating thing sounds more common than people think, when animals eat something they are not supposed to there usualy is a reason, dogs and cats eat grass, chimps eat meat, sharks and crocs swallow car number plates. ect. But why torts and stones?
Paul

[Dawn Fletcher]

Originally Posted by caledonia

That's not really gravel then. Is it oyster shell because some people actually give that for calcium?

Which is why I suggested earlier getting Limestone flour .....because they are obviously looking for more calcium then what is being provided.
Just an observation.
Dawn
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