low calcium

[jeninak907]

So, today I took my new russian tortoise Lilly out side for some fresh air- and she tried to eat rocks! Almost swalloed a small one but droped it. So I assumed she needs more calcium. I bought her a cuttle bone so she can eat it. Has any one seen their torts try to eat rocks? Do yall think I am right in the assumption that she needs calcium?

 

[GBtortoises]

It could be a lack of calcium but a possibly of other minerals instead or in addition to. It's not unusual for tortoises to consume small stones, dirt and other many other materials.

Some tortoises will consume"non-food" organic material on a regular basis, others never. There is no real pattern based on species.

 

[Madkins007]

What GB said.

One theory is that they are seeking specific minerals (possibly iron) while another is that they use the rocks to help digest foods.

Not usually a problem unless they eat enough or big ones and get a blockage.