Russian tortoise eating substrate

[lucky_tortoise]

I have recently noticed that my tort is not pooping like he used to.

Its my first time with tortoise and I used to feed him a lot initially but after reading more about it I slowly brought him down to one time meal everyday. And everything was normal but recently he just stopped pooping, I mean I did poop yesterday and sometimes when I soak him otherwise nothing.

Also, I caught him eating substrate. Is this something that's making him constipated? Or am I feeding him less?

Attaching substrate's photo. Really appreciate all responses and helps

 

[wellington]

Hard too say. I would personally replace the substrate with something more natural for him to dig into. Like dirt or coconut coir. Make it deep enough he can burrow into, they like to do that. When you do feed him, is there food left over? If not, I would give a little more, he may still be hungry and turned to eating the substrate. In case, give him long warm soaks for about a week or until he seems to be pooping normally, whatever his normal is before eating the substrate.

 

[lucky_tortoise]

@wellington... Thanks!! I gave him extra good today and he didn't finish it all at first but came back later in 15 mins to finish off remaining greens.

I am going to soak him today and see if that will him help him in get going.

Thanks for your response.