Habitat - Indoor :: Why is my Yellow Belly eating his poop!?

[Laurielee]

I just noticed this morning that my turtle was eating his poop. This is my first turtle, so I thought that his poop just fell apart and was sucked up by the filter. Why is he eating poop!? I feed him a good amount of pellets (a little more than the size of his head) every morning and he always has a leafy green on a clip in his tank. He's a little over a year old, 6" in size, 55 gallon tank with canister filter, uvb and uva lamps. He looks very healthy, he's very active and is in no way over or under weight. I know this can't be good, how do I fix this?[attachment=0]20150927_092343.jpg[/attachment

[steve]

Most of them do it, I think it has to do with being in a tank and being unable to avoid it. Filters won't get everything and more often than not, it's the turtle breaking up the waste. I'd also consider a different substrate and please get rid of any small pieces (smaller than his head).

[Laurielee]

Okay, I'll take out the small pieces. The rocks barely cover the bottom, and when I clean his tank once a week I vacuum the bottom also. Do the rocks still need to go? What type of substrate do you recommend? Thanks for your response!

[steve]

I think the 2 real choices for substrate is none or sand. Maybe add a few large river rock for variety and color.

As for the poop, try to anticipate when he does it. My male RES often poops right after eating.

[Laurielee]

Thanks for the info! I thought maybe I was starving him or something. Phew. I will will definately check out his bowel routine!

[steve]

It is a win when you can scoop it out before they get to it. Especially when they get bigger and eat more veggies, it can make the tank pretty gross.