Question

[adarland]

I have a yearling leo that I've have for almost 3 weeks. At first, he did not want to eat the hay I had for him. This past week I have gotten him eating dandelion, radicchio, hibiscus, orchard hay and mazuri. I also soak him everyday for at least 10-15 mins. My concern is that he hasn't defecated since I've had him. When he wasn't eating it made sense but now that he has a strong appetite I'm worried that it's been so long with no "poop". He seems ok otherwise. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[Greg T]

You probably won't get him to eat hay now. They don't like to eat hay until they get much older. Let him eat what you are feeding now, which is fine. Tortoises can go a while without pooping, but if he doesn't go in the next week, I'd think about a trip to a vet. Mine go every 4 or 5 days usually, depending on how much grazing in the yard they do. Your guy coudl just now be "filling up" after he has started eating well and may go soon.

 

[Laura]

trying even a bigger variety and add pumpkin a few times.

 

[ascott]

Yup...I would not worry just yet...if he has not been consuming food until recently it will take a bit before you see poo....also, some torts will eat their own poo..so that may be something going on...

 

[Neal]

I am going to assume you don't have a South African type of leopard? In which case, they don't naturally eat a lot of grasses or hay anyway until they are older or unless they have fresh grass to graze on. Do you think it's possible that he is eating the poop before you have the chance to see it? They do eat their own poop sometimes.

Try soaking him for a long time...say 20 minutes...and see if he has a bowel movement. Most tortoises will defecate in water they soak in.

 

[Tom]

Ditto Neal, except I'd let him soak even longer.

 

[austinl01]

I soak mine for about 45 minutes typically a few times a week. I figure a longer soaking wouldn't hurt.

 

[adarland]

Thanks for all the info...I soaked him for about 25 mins today and it worked