Sulcata has eaten gravel

[JudyR]

We noticed last Wednesday night during Shell-B‘s bi-nightly soak that he passed gravel in his poop, about 10 pea size gravel. He has never done this before. We fenced off the area with the pea size gravel but then during Friday’s soak he passed about 20 more pieces And last night about 15 more. He still eating and drinking normal, his energy level is normal. Should we just wait it out? How much could he have eaten? He’s 6 lbs, not sure of his age, he was 2.5 lbs when we got him last May. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[MichaelL]

I think the first think you need to do is give him access to a cuttlebone, eggshells, or dust his greens with calcium. They usually eat rocks when they are calcium deficient or mineral deficient in general. I personally think he will be fine, and to wait it out, just never let him have access to that area with gravel again.

 

[Tom]

Here are two threads on this same subject. Read these for your answer and explanation and feel free to come back with any questions:

Tying to eat stones

Hi I have spotted Evo digging in her outside run and trying to eat little stones. Why would she be doing this? Is this normal or has she maybe a deficiency? The stones are so small that she could swallow them. Any suggestions?

tortoiseforum.org

Help: tries to eat white stuff

Hello I have two hatchlings in separate enclosures. Only one is having this issue. During his supervised outside time he tries to eat white rocks/dead weeds and runs towards white stuff. Could this be a fiber issue? Lack of calcium? I give calcium supplement once a week. Tank is kept 80-100...

tortoiseforum.org