Bird poo

[GraceR]

I caught my tortoise eating bird poo in the garden. I'm sure it isn't part of a nutritional diet but will it be of harm? There isn't a lot I can do to prevent the odd bird pooing in the garden.

 

[Odin's Gma]

No, you sure can't. I would imagine they eat it in the wild also so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[JoesMum]

I doubt it will do much harm... and, as you say, there is nothing you can do to stop it.

Keep an eye on poop for signs of parasites, but you'd do that anyway.

 

[Yvonne G]

This is one way that captive tortoises get worms (parasites).

 

[DawnH]

... yet another reason I use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth.

*slinking back into the shadows*

 

[Tom]

Unavoidable for an outdoor tortoise, but do what you can to keep it to a minimum.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Tidgy loves to eat it sometimes and no matter how hard I try, she usually manages to find one I've missed.
"sigh".

 

[Ariza]

I once asked my vet why my dogs loved to eat dry dog and cat poo when they found it. He said because they needed magnesium. Birds use Ariza's water platter and sometimes leave their droppings. I've seen her eat them sometimes and have wondered if she does it for a reason. I'm sure animals know more about their own body's needs than we do. I tend to trust her instincts.