jnirvello
Active Member
Is there a specific amount of urates that is healthy to see?
Urates
- Thread starter jnirvello
- Start date
LeoTheTortoise
Member
I'm no expert, but from what I understand, its not so much the quantity, but the quality. Grainy urates usually mean dehydration, but if they look healthy I don't think there's anything to worry about. Again, though, I'm not an expert.
The amount of urates depends on the species and the environment they come from. Yellowfoots and redfoots are from wet forest areas and show no white urates. They are used to having water available and pass urates as a liquid. Sulcatas from more arid areas retain fluids and secrete a white uric pellet with their feces. These are two I have seen first hand. It varies species to species.
jnirvello
Active Member
Mine has them when he urinates. It has the same consistency as toothpaste
When urates have the consistency as toothpaste it is good. They should not be gritty.
The amount of urates depends on how much protein the tort has taken with the food.
jnirvello
Active Member
It's a decent amount. Is more urates healthy?
No. Too much urates means too much protein in the food.
What specie of tort do you own ?
If you are soaking your tortoise daily, as you should be, you are not likely to see urates.
jnirvello
Active Member
I have a sulcata.
those were his urates tonight. Is that too much?
jnirvello
Active Member
Oh, perfect!!!!!
Melissacoop
Well-Known Member
My 11 month old Sulcata excretes the urates at least 3 times a week. I soak everyday. They’re not gritty but they are present a lot. I only give Mazuri about twice a week. What else do they get protein from? I feed orchard grass with alittle green mixed in. Some Timothy hay, hibiscus, dandelion and he free grazes on weeds and St. Augustine grass. I just recently started hand feeding him some romaine to get him to come to me outside, Lol, and for more moisture since it’s so hot.
