Multiple Poops Per Day?

[209Tank]

Our Tortiose Tank, is about 3 we have had him since Dec 2008, and had gotten so much different advice on heat lamps, feeding, soaking etc...
I think we have everything down, but we don't feed him grass just kale, and other green leafy veggies. We usually soak him daily for 15 minutes, he seems happy and poops pretty normal, but today he had pooped about 4 times, really big ones. The look pretty normal, they might be a little softer than normal, but just long and we are concerned because of the frequency.

Also where to you get grass to feed them, the yard, our is fertalized...

Is this normal???

 

[Stazz]

What do you mean by other green leafy veggies? You should be soaking him about 3 or 4 times a week for 15 mins or so, daily is a bit too much Thats sufficient enough for your little Tank
I'm not sure about grasses as Im not living in a place where grass is plenty haha. Sure someone will be able to help you out with that

 

[K9KidsLove]

Hi...If your grass has been fertilized, don't let him eat it. For future use tho, don't fertilize it. I promise you he will eat it for you!!

In the meantime, check at a farm/feed store for grass hay, or bermuda hay...the fresher the better. You can also feed Mazuri once or twice a week. Kale should be limited...I don't feed it at all cause it is high in oxalates & can bind the calcium. So does all the cabbage/broccoli family. I feed spring mix (I pick out the spinach), collard greens, romaine, butternut squash, pumpkin (once a month), green beans occasionally, dandelions, hibiscus flowers & leaves, arugula, endive, escarole, and bermuda hay. Usually I have grass & weeds planted outside in the corral for him but this year the grass burned up from lack of rain, then the new seed drowned from an abundance of rain.
Check in the food section for plants and foods that are safe.
Good luck
Patsy

 

[Yvonne G]

When my Dudley has a bowel movement, it's not just one piece. There are usually 4 or 5 cigar-shaped pieces at a time.

Don't feed too much kale. Once a week is ok, but not every day.

Yvonne

 

[209Tank]

Thanks everyone has been very helpful, we have been given so much different advice from so many different people and books, it is hard to know what to do. This is the first place, that seems like they really know what they are doing. Thanks again

 

[tortoisenerd]

When they poop in the water it looks larger than it actually is. Sometimes torts do poop multiple times a day...then you may not see anything for a day or two. Soaking excessively can cause excess pooping, as can stress. What are you feeding? If you can say this week I have fed X, X, and X that would be helpful. If you can start mixing a little say into his diet at a young age that is great. Carolina Pet Supply has a very soft and fine "salad style hay", but any low protein hay is fine. Bermuda grass or timothy hay for example, but not alfalfa. If you fertilize your yard, what is your long term plan for having a Sulcata? He can't stay inside long! Best bet is to have a large section of your yard grow wild without chemicals....you can even throw down extra weeds, greens, grasses, veggie seeds (except the nightshade family), flowers, etc for variety. Some greens also give them a bit of the runs.