boxie pees but never makes urates

[Loohan]

How uncommon is this in boxies? My new pet Felter
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/felter-my-new-3-toed.143001/
whom i've had since June 11, never makes urates but sometimes pees, even though he does not seem at all frightened. Is this any cause for concern?
His appetite is great, he eats his veggies, and seems quite strong and healthy.

 

[Yvonne G]

Since box turtles aren't a desert species, they don't hold their urine like desert species do. Because of that, they don't make urates.

 

[ColleenT]

mine have made urates. When i first got them.

 

[Pearly]

I'm gonna have to study that urate thing. I too was at first freaked out about my babies peeing without urates (keep RF's)

 

[Loohan]

Hmm, I have seen urates once or twice from my little Rorg (3-toe) but that was like a year ago.
But i am relieved that the lack of them is no cause for concern. I don't think i have ever noticed pee from Rorg, but he's still tiny. He has never peed on me or my hand. Felter let loose a squirt onto my hands this morning.

 

[lisa127]

Box turtles and redfoots should not produce urates.

 

[ColleenT]

maybe mine were unhealthy, they came to me from a neglect situation. IDK what their lives were like then.

 

[lisa127]

maybe mine were unhealthy, they came to me from a neglect situation. IDK what their lives were like then.

Yeah, the only thing I can think is extreme dehydration?? I've never seen urates come from a boxie before. At least they are healthy now!