Tortoise eating substrate???

[synthesia]

I am new tortoise owner and I've read that they will oftern eat their substrate - I looked into this after mine tried to eat his. I have cyprus mulch and spanish moss. I am worried e will get sick if he's able to actually ingest this. Is this the case and what can I do about this??? Please help - I am worried sick about him.

 

[Tom]

I am new tortoise owner and I've read that they will oftern eat their substrate - I looked into this after mine tried to eat his. I have cyprus mulch and spanish moss. I am worried e will get sick if he's able to actually ingest this. Is this the case and what can I do about this??? Please help - I am worried sick about him.

What species? How old? How big? What size and type of cage? What are you feeding?(besides substrate, Ha Ha, just kidding)

 

[Stephanie Logan]

I agree with Roachman. Post some details and some photos and you should get some good advice from the many experienced keepers on this forum.

In the short term, you can take your little guy off his current substrate and keep him on some paper towels or newspaper until a long-term plan can be devised.

 

[Yvonne G]

to the forum!!

 

[synthesia]

Thanks to everyone for the quick help. "Speedy" is a Leopeard tortoise and about 4 inches long. I am not sure how old he is - I should have asked. I was feeding him mixed greens on day 1 and then bought some Healthy Herp instant meal tortoise food from the pet shop as I was worried about his Ca intakt. I aslo bought a cuttlebone which I haven't seen him bother with yet. Today I brought Turnip greens home as I read tthat they were pretty good for tortoises. Right now he is in a 10 gallon glass aquarium as I didn't know any better. I plan to upgrade his living arrangements by months end. Any advice is welcome!