My Tortoise Has Diarrhea :(

[Rachel Lynn]

My Russian tortoise, Sheldon, has very loose stool, possibly diarrhea. He eats mainly kale, collards, and dandelion leaves. When I first got him (only one week ago) I mistakenly fed him a small piece of cantaloupe, but haven't given him any fruit since. He seems to have a normal appetite (I feed him as much as he can eat in 20 mins.) I THINK that his diarrhea MIGHT also be caused by one of the following, but I'm not sure:
1. 2 days ago I started spraying a calcium supplement on his food. Shortly after, his diarrhea started.
2. I took him to the park and he ate some of the grass. When I noticed him doing this I put him on my lap so he would stop.
What should I do?

P.S. I'm not sure of his age, but from what I've learned online, he's anywhere between 1.5-6 years.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

maybe there was some chemicals on the grass at the park. we need a bit more info. have you soaked him yet? what substrate are you using? whats was his prior diet before you got him?

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

oh yea welcome to the forum!!!!!!

 

[lismar79]

I don't see why this would be calcium related. I have seen wet poo more when my russian eats too many store bought greens. Your going to want to add more variety to your diet for a healthy tort. You may also want to take a stool sample to a vet to get a check for parasites.
Here's a care sheet, it will help you nail down your care.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Rachel Lynn]

I have soaked him twice! In luke warm water. I am using this substrate: http://www.petco.com/product/4956/Zoo-Med-Premium-Repti-Bark.aspx. I'm unsure of his prior diet before I got him. But the 'reptile specialist' at the store told me to feed him fruits and veggies, which I know isn't right...

 

[Rachel Lynn]

I don't see why this would be calcium related. I have seen wet poo more when my russian eats too many store bought greens. Your going to want to add more variety to your diet for a healthy tort. You may also want to take a stool sample to a vet to get a check for parasites.
Here's a care sheet, it will help you nail down your care.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

Where do you recommend I get his greens? I do get them at the store, but they're not bagged or anything.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

grow your own collect some non toxic weeds from you yard they love that stuff.

 

[Rachel Lynn]

Unfortunately I don't have the resources to grow my own I live in an apartment (I'm a college student). Is it possible to grow them inside? What do you recommend specifically?

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Yes, do you have a yard/garden? I pick my own, I know they are chemical free, and most of the yard is weedy anyway, so... yum!
EDIT-Oops, sorry! I just saw you other post. I grow seed mixes from tortoisesupply outside (just started for my russain for winter) and am hoping they'll survive moving indoors. They are easy to grow, so I think you could easily raise them inside.
What size is his enclosure? Parasites CAN be a cause of diarrhea.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

mallow,dandelions some grasses, some lettuces,

 

[Rachel Lynn]

I have a very small front yard. And there are some plants (maybe weeds?) growing there. I definitely can't plant anything since I share it will other people and I live in Massachusetts (not much will grow very soon). But I can definitely grow some stuff indoors.

 

[lismar79]

Here's a good web site to help you id weeds. Some store greens, if you have to, are fine but the key is to mix it up. I grow a lot inside. Or you can pick them from a yard you know has not been treated.
http://m.thetortoisetable.org.uk/m/plants_19.asp

If you must buy at a Grocery Store, here are some good Options

• Arugula/Eruca sativa/salad rocket/roquette/rucola/ rugula/colewort,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arugula (also a good source of plant protein & Vitamin A).
• Bok Choy/Pak Choy/Chinese Cabbage/ Brassica rapa (a good source of Vitamin A and has a good calcium: phosphorus ratio), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bok_choy
• Collard Greens/ Brassica oleracea, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collard_greens (A good source of Vitamin A, Calcium, and has a great Calciumhos ratio)
• Turnip Greens/Brassica rapa/white turnip greens/turnip tops (A good source of plant protein, Vitamin A, Calicium, and has a good Calciumhos ratio)
• Prickley Pear Cactus Pas/Oputunia Cactus/Nopales/Paddle Cactus,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opuntia (A good source of calcium, but also a natural laxative, so feed in moderation).
• Grape Leaf /Vitis species (also a good source of Vitamin A)
• Clover Sprouts (also a good source of plant protein & Vitamin A)
• Alfalfa Sprouts/ Medicago sativa/lucerne, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfalfa (also a good source of plant protein, Vitamin A, & Calcium)
• Mustard Greens/ Brassica juncea/Indian mustard/Chinese mustard/leaf mustard (A good source of Vitamin A and has a good Calciumhos ratio),http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_greens
• Cat Grass/ Dactylis/ ****'s-foot/Orchard Grass,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_grass
• Wheat Grass/ Triticum aestivum, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheat_grass (also a good source of Vitamin A).
• Dandelion, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion, (A good source of Vitamin A, calcium, and has a good Calciumhosphorus Ratio. However, this food is high in oxalic acid, so feed in moderation)

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

how big of a cage are u keeping your tort in?

 

[lismar79]

Endive and escrole are two really good store greens too.

 

[Rachel Lynn]

how big of a cage are u keeping your tort in?

12" x 30"

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Okay. If your tort is longer than 3'' (that's reealllly pushing it) that is too small. Russains are territorial animals who need a lot of space to roam. Which is why tortoises and apartments tend not to mix very often
An adult 8'' russian does best outdoors, but we've learned that isn't a go right now, so inside he'll need at least 4x6 of space! Tortoises take up room and may not be the best pet for small space living
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Rachel Lynn]

I can definitely increase his living space by a foot or two - I was thinking of doing that anyways. I also take him out quite frequently so he often has free (supervised) roam of the apartment.

 

[Rachel Lynn]

Also he's currently 4.5"

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

can you take some pics of his enclosure at the moment? also take a pic of the torts tail from underneath and i can tell you the gender.

 

[Rachel Lynn]

I already know he's a male for sure. Checked online and had him sexed. But, yes I'll snap a pic of his enclosure.