Redfoot ate some wildlife scat outdoors

mgreen

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Our redfoot tortoise was grazing in our yard under the fig tree and I caught her eating some unknown wildlife scat, most likely from a raccoon or a coyote. Should I be concerned? Go to the vet for a fecal right away or.....?
 

Yvonne G

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That's what they do. It happens in the wild too.
 

SarahChelonoidis

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I'd wait on the fecal (although others might disagree) - you may get a false negative if the parasite load hasn't had time to build up if you test too early. Many people recommend fecals every 6 months for footed species that are outside. They are natural poop eaters. It doesn't mean you want them to do it (because parasites are inevitable), but they seem to be built for it. I would actually be more concerned about them eating the feces of a domesticated dog (because of the potential for tortoise toxic dewormer to be present).
 

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