New turtle has the runs

[bds2000]

Hell all!
My family and I are new to the tortoise hobby and last week we bought our first Russian tortoise. When we got him home he was fine nice and solid but now he has the runs. At first I thought my son was giving him too many carrots but it has not gone away yet, any suggestions would be great.
Thanks very much

 

[Yvonne G]

What has he been eating?

 

[JoesMum]

Probably caused by lack of fibre. As Yvonne said, what have you been feeding your tort?

 

[bds2000]

Carrots and spring mix so far we are still learning what he likes

 

[dmmj]

two possible choices come to mind diet-related or parasites. try more fiber rich foods.

 

[bds2000]

What can I feed him that is higher in fiber?

 

[JoesMum]

Carrots are high in sugars which cause digestive problems and, like tomato, fruit and bell peppers, should only be fed very sparingly and very occasionally if at all.

Spring mix is low in fibre. You need to include more weeds in the diet like dandelion, etc. I'll post a list next.

Make a list of greens that grow around you and those that you can buy and look them up on The Tortoise Table Plant Database for suitability to feed
http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/

 

[JoesMum]

Here's a list of suitable greens

Look them up on The Tortoise Table Plant Database if you're not sure what they look like.
http://thetortoisetable.org.uk/

Mulberry leaves
Grape vine leaves
Hibiscus leaves
African hibiscus leaves
Blue hibiscus leaves
Rose of Sharon leaves
Rose leaves
Geraniums
Gazanias
Lavatera
Pansies
Petunias
Hostas
Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle
Leaves and blooms from any squash plant, like pumpkin, cucumber, summer squash, etc...
Young spineless opuntia cactus pads

Weeds:
There are soooooooo many...
Dandelion
Mallow
Filaree
Smooth Sow thistle
Prickly Sow thistle
Milk thistle
Goat head weed
Cats ear
Nettles
Trefoil
Wild onion
Wild mustard
Wild Garlic
Clovers
Broadleaf plantain
Narrow leaf plantain
Chick weed
Hawksbit
Hensbit
Hawksbeard

 

[dmmj]

depending where you live your access to certain foods may be hard or impossible. Cactus pads are always a good choice for high fiber most lettuces in general are low fiber. weeds and leaves of various plants

 

[bds2000]

Thanks all for the help I will see what I can get for him

 

[Kasia]

Thanks all for the help I will see what I can get for him

If you got him from a pet shop/unknown source I would take his stool sample to Vet clinic and check for parasites just in case. You don't have take your tort with you. It is a standard test, shouldn't cost a lot as well. Best wishes for you both.