Boxie droppings

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I don't keep boxies anymore, but I was wondering. I know with torties you can tell if they're not eating right because they get diarrhea. When I kept boxies, I don't think I ever saw them produce firm stools. Is it normal for box turtles to have runny stools all the time, or if fed the right diet (live invertebrates, meat, fruit, mushrooms, and leafy greens) would they also produce more solid droppings?

 

[Tccarolina]

Healthy adults should have firm stools most of the time, maybe all the time. Now that I feed prepared food, my box turtles have mostly firm stools. I have wormed all my adults several times, controlled disease outbreaks due to stress, overcrowding, and new environment, but the trick that seemed to accomplish the most was diet. I can't say they never have runny stools, because I don't observe the vast majority of defecations. LOL! But those I observe/find are firm now.

Not sure what other's experiences are.

 

[Kristina]

All of my land dwelling chelonians produce stools that are firm but very wet. To me that means they are getting the right amount of fiber and are also properly hydrated.

You can up the fiber in a Box turtle's diet by offering mushrooms. Often times they are more receptive to increased portions of mushrooms than they are to increased greens.

 

[GeoTerraTestudo]

I see. Yes, in retrospect, I don't think I used to give my boxies the right diet. They used to get some live invertebrates and the occasional chicken bone for a treat. They used to get red fruits, namely tomatoes and strawberries. They also got some commercial turtle food, but mostly they got greens like lettuce, and I don't think I ever gave them mushrooms. So, when I look back, I realize that their diet was not that good, which would explain why they usually had runny stools. If I ever get boxies again, I'll know what to do. Boxies are great, but I've had so much fun watching my tortoises walk around and munch on grass and leafy greens, that I might never go back.