Russian hatchling urine is clear...is this normal?

Joined
Dec 13, 2019
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Location (City and/or State)
Omaha, Nebraska
I happened to be watching my Russian hatchlings when one of them urinated. I was surprised to see that it was a clear liquid rather than the white paste-like urates that I've seen previously.

This made me think a little and I honestly can't remember the last time I found any white urates in their enclosure, which makes me wonder if they are all urinating a clear liquid.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Is there some vitamin deficiency or possible illness that would result this change in their urine?

I'm doing the best I can to learn as much as possible as fast as possible, but I'm still quite new to tortoise ownership. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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Urates are a concentrated form of urine. If they are well hydrated, no need to conserve water and concentrate the urine, so the urine will be a clear liquid. Its a sign that your tortoises are well hydrated.
 
Joined
Dec 13, 2019
Messages
34
Location (City and/or State)
Omaha, Nebraska
Urates are a concentrated form of urine. If they are well hydrated, no need to conserve water and concentrate the urine, so the urine will be a clear liquid. Its a sign that your tortoises are well hydrated.

You mean I actually did something right? That's quite a shock...lol.

I appreciate all the help from everyone. It's good to know that it's not one more thing I've done wrong!
 

Ben02

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Oct 21, 2018
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Brighton, Southcoast, UK
You mean I actually did something right? That's quite a shock...lol.

I appreciate all the help from everyone. It's good to know that it's not one more thing I've done wrong!
You know, I had the exact same concern when I saw clear pee almost a year ago. I want to congratulate you on having hydrated torts, keep it up!:)
 

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