Spot Cleaning

[missjmg19]

So, I know we are supposed to spot clean regularly, but we are not seeing anything that appears to be pee or poop to clean out. He has passed white gooey stuff when soaking (pee???), but not sure what exactly we are looking for to clean. Does it blend in with the substrate? He is very active, loved being outside, doesn't protest too much on soaking, and is eating daily, so I'm sure he is okay. Just wondering.....

Thanks!

 

[Jodie]

The white stuff is urates. Normal as long as the consistency is not gritty. Should be creamy. Spot cleaning is just removing any poo or left over, drug about food.

 

[missjmg19]

The white stuff is urates. Normal as long as the consistency is not gritty. Should be creamy. Spot cleaning is just removing any poo or left over, drug about food.

The white stuff is creamy...... what does the poo look like though? We don't see anything we need to remove (other than food).

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

The pee itself is clear and mostly just water and doesn't need removing.
Just make sure the tortoise is nicely hydrated and you'll get less urates that you can spot clean.
The poo is usually dark, dark brown, almost black and quite solid.
You'll know it when you see it. It's also known for tortoises to eat their poo, so keep an eye out!

 

[missjmg19]

The pee itself is clear and mostly just water and doesn't need removing.
Just make sure the tortoise is nicely hydrated and you'll get less urates that you can spot clean.
The poo is usually dark, dark brown, almost black and quite solid.
You'll know it when you see it. It's also known for tortoises to eat their poo, so keep an eye out!

It it common not to find any after 4 days though? If he ate it, is that a problem??? Could it be mixed in with the substrate?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

It it common not to find any after 4 days though? If he ate it, is that a problem??? Could it be mixed in with the substrate?

If he's eating it will come.
May take a few days, but it'll happen.
They are naturally coprophagous, so it's not a worry, but shouldn't be encouraged.
Maybe mixed into the substrate but I think you'd notice !

 

[missjmg19]

If he's eating it will come.
May take a few days, but it'll happen.
They are naturally coprophagous, so it's not a worry, but shouldn't be encouraged.
Maybe mixed into the substrate but I think you'd notice !

So, are "urates" a cause for alarm or is this normal?

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

It's normal when it's creamy like yours is.
As Jodie said, it's only a worry if it's gritty or hard.

 

[BrianWI]

I find that the poo gets some whiter spots on it after a few days and then you see it in the substrate. Must be a mold/ fungus thing.

 

[Gillian M]

So, are "urates" a cause for alarm or is this normal?

Don't panic, nothing to worry about.

 

[Gillian M]

This is what it looks like.

Sorry, photo may not be all that clear.

 

[missjmg19]

This is what it looks like.

Sorry, photo may not be all that clear.

Photo is great! This is the urates?

 

[Gillian M]

Photo is great! This is the urates?

Yep. The white part at the bottom of the photo.

 

[missjmg19]

Yep. The white part at the bottom of the photo.

Okay.....great, this is what we have seen while soaking! Now....to find some poop!!! lol

 

[Gillian M]

Now, all you have to do is to just watch out for it.

 

[Gillian M]

Okay.....great, this is what we have seen while soaking! Now....to find some poop!!! lol

Great! It will come eventually. Again, do not worry.

 

[missjmg19]

Great! It will come eventually. Again, do not worry.

Thanks so much! Just posted some photos from today!

 

[Gillian M]

Thanks so much! Just posted some photos from today!

You're most welcome. We are here to help.

Where are the photos you posted?

 

[missjmg19]

You're most welcome. We are here to help.

Where are the photos you posted?

New post...... "getting the hang of it...."

Wasn't sure where to put them!!!!

 

[Gillian M]

New post...... "getting the hang of it...."

Wasn't sure where to put them!!!!

Thanks very much your prompt answer.

Will check it.