Re: Sulcata and perlite?

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Terry on July 15, 2000 at 13:00:40:

In Reply to: Sulcata and perlite? posted by Dan G on July 15, 2000 at 12:29:32:

Hi Dan,
for some reason some tortoises are attracted to small pebbles.
One of my smaller sulcatas is, and it's quite worrying. Although some now believe they might help the tort digest their food. Others see them as a danger.
I have heard of tortoises becoming impacted with stones, so watch it.
Impaction can be fatal.

Your tortoise might be looking for calcium, another idea on why they're attracted to white pebbles.
Make sure you are providing a calcium supplement,
Rep Cal phosphorous free calcium with vit d3 is a good one.
Available at most pet stores.
Sprinkle a small amount on the torts food, a couple of times a week.

You can also provide cuttlebone as well as the supplement.
You'll find cuttle bone in the bird section at the pet store.
One side of the cuttle bone is hard, the rest soft.

I never offer the hard part of the cuttle bone. It's not easily digested and has sharp edges.

Dig out the soft part with a sharp knife, and leave it in the tortoises enclosure. You can break it up for smaller tortoises.
You may not notice the tort chomping on the cuttle bone, but leave it in the enclosure.
It's a good source of extra calcium and the tort will eat it when he feels the need.

Hope this helps.
Aloha,
Terry.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Hi Dan, : for some reason some tortoises are attracted to small pebbles. : One of my smaller sulcatas is, and it's quite worrying. Although some now believe they might help the tort digest their food. Others see them as a danger. : I have heard of tortoises becoming impacted with stones, so watch it. : Impaction can be fatal. : Your tortoise might be looking for calcium, another idea on why they're attracted to white pebbles. : Make sure you are providing a calcium supplement, : Rep Cal phosphorous free calcium with vit d3 is a good one. : Available at most pet stores. : Sprinkle a small amount on the torts food, a couple of times a week. : : You can also provide cuttlebone as well as the supplement. : You'll find cuttle bone in the bird section at the pet store. : One side of the cuttle bone is hard, the rest soft. : I never offer the hard part of the cuttle bone. It's not easily digested and has sharp edges. : Dig out the soft part with a sharp knife, and leave it in the tortoises enclosure. You can break it up for smaller tortoises. : You may not notice the tort chomping on the cuttle bone, but leave it in the enclosure. : It's a good source of extra calcium and the tort will eat it when he feels the need. : Hope this helps. : Aloha, : Terry.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ] [ FAQ ]