Advice on slightly loose stools

Augustus1508

Active Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2025
Messages
158
Location (City and/or State)
UK
I noticed over the past week my tort has had slightly loose stools - not runny or watery just loose. He poops every day without a doubt, today it was a bit more harder than it had been. He currently eats a varied diet - plants, flowers, leaves, weeds etc mixed with romaine or little gem lettuce. He recently has grown a liking for his dandelions so unsure if the slight change in diet could've done something.

I do spray his food almost daily, he very very very occasionally has mazuri pellets. Hes his normal self nothing that im worried about other than the slightly loose stools. They dont smell horrific or anything to be concerned about.

Im based in the UK and also wanted to know where I could possibly do a worm egg count just to rule put parasites (although doesn't have any symptoms other than slightly loose stools)? I also know the weather had changes and his routine has slightly changed with the time he wakes up etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Temps: cool 23/24 celsius, mid 26-28celsius, warm/basking - 32-35 degrees.(day)

Cool - 20-21 celsius, mid - 23/24 celsius, hot - 28celsisus.

Humidity aprx 78-82%

Basking & CHE.

arcadia t5 uvb 39 watt 10-12%

Coco coir

Male greek spur thighed 1yr 7mnth
 

Littleredfootbigredheart

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2023
Messages
7,679
Location (City and/or State)
UK
Hey! I’m sure it’s nothing too concerning but you’re right that it wouldn’t hurt to send in a stool sample, we personally use Chipping Norton veterinary hospital, the exotic vet is called Natalie, she’s great. But honestly most exotic vets will be able to take a sample for you, you won’t even have to take tortoise in🐢💚
 

Augustus1508

Active Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2025
Messages
158
Location (City and/or State)
UK
Hey! I’m sure it’s nothing too concerning but you’re right that it wouldn’t hurt to send in a stool sample, we personally use Chipping Norton veterinary hospital, the exotic vet is called Natalie, she’s great. But honestly most exotic vets will be able to take a sample for you, you won’t even have to take tortoise in🐢💚
Ah perfect thank you! Ill try contact his vets today or email them to see what the cost would be to get it checked! Id rather be safe than sorry 🐢
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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Platinum Tortoise Club
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Jan 9, 2010
Messages
68,473
Location (City and/or State)
Southern California
I noticed over the past week my tort has had slightly loose stools - not runny or watery just loose. He poops every day without a doubt, today it was a bit more harder than it had been. He currently eats a varied diet - plants, flowers, leaves, weeds etc mixed with romaine or little gem lettuce. He recently has grown a liking for his dandelions so unsure if the slight change in diet could've done something.

I do spray his food almost daily, he very very very occasionally has mazuri pellets. Hes his normal self nothing that im worried about other than the slightly loose stools. They dont smell horrific or anything to be concerned about.

Im based in the UK and also wanted to know where I could possibly do a worm egg count just to rule put parasites (although doesn't have any symptoms other than slightly loose stools)? I also know the weather had changes and his routine has slightly changed with the time he wakes up etc.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Temps: cool 23/24 celsius, mid 26-28celsius, warm/basking - 32-35 degrees.(day)

Cool - 20-21 celsius, mid - 23/24 celsius, hot - 28celsisus.

Humidity aprx 78-82%

Basking & CHE.

arcadia t5 uvb 39 watt 10-12%

Coco coir

Male greek spur thighed 1yr 7mnth
Sometimes the stools will loosen up when feeding more of the spring weeds that are higher in water content, or other high water foods like the lettuce you mentioned. Nothing to worry about.
 

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