Kidney/Urate stones?

[marifer]

After leaving my tortoise to soak today i found these tiny rocks in the water along with poop. Could they be kidney stones or rocks that my tortoise ate then passed ? They’re very hard and feel like actual rocks.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

These look like actual small rocks to me, especially the one at the top, but hang tight and see what others say! I know this is kinda odd, but don’t suppose you tested if they could break apart when pressed? Or are they solid as a literal rock? Lol

 

[marifer]

These look like actual small rocks to me, especially the one at the top, but hang tight and see what others say! I know this is kinda odd, but don’t suppose you tested if they could break apart when pressed? Or are they solid as a literal rock? Lol

Thank you for your response! I did try to see if they’d break apart but they didn’t—they’re rock solid.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thank you for your response! I did try to see if they’d break apart but they didn’t—they’re rock solid.

I suspect small pebbles, we’ll see what others think

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Is it possible that your tortoise has eaten pebbles?

 

[MenagerieGrl]

Is your tort in an environment where these are incorporated in the substrate? If so, I would replace with small fir bark, or coconut coir. You don't want to give them the opportunity to consume sand or pebbles as such. As impaction could be a likley result.

 

[marifer]

Is it possible that your tortoise has eaten pebbles?

Is your tort in an environment where these are incorporated in the substrate? If so, I would replace with small fir bark, or coconut coir. You don't want to give them the opportunity to consume sand or pebbles as such. As impaction could be a likley result.

I am not sure where it could’ve eaten the pebbles, their substrate is coconut coir and cypress mulch.

 

[MenagerieGrl]

I am not sure where it could’ve eaten the pebbles, their substrate is coconut coir and cypress mulch.

Well, I have heard of small pebbles found in mulch and possibly coconut Coir. Maybe inspect it good. Any idea where else could it come from? Seems like your Tort is good at finding them, thinking they are food.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I am not sure where it could’ve eaten the pebbles, their substrate is coconut coir and cypress mulch.

Unfortunately sometimes small pebbles can be found in batches of mulch, it’s so annoying I know! All you can do is your best eyeballing any obvious ones by giving it a good sift with your hands

 

[marifer]

Well, I have heard of small pebbles found in mulch and possibly coconut Coir. Maybe inspect it good. Any idea where else could it come from? Seems like your Tort is good at finding them, thinking they are food.

Sometimes I let them graze on grass and perhaps that’s where one of them got a bite of those pebbles ?

 

[JoJosMom]

Sometimes I let them graze on grass and perhaps that’s where one of them got a bite of those pebbles ?

That is exactly where they came from. It is very common for them to eat small rocks & pebbles, seen it about 100 times. Even when you clear everything away, there is still the possibility. Ensure you soak your tortoise regularly to help pass these when they do find them. Also ensuring a good amount of fiber is in the diet as well. Keep in mind the digestive system takes approximately 10-14 days, so for example, if they were out grazing yesterday, you won't find them tomorrow.....it will take time to pass through the system.