General Care Discussion :: pooping glass

[jonreif]

My 2 adult rescued turtles that I have had about a week have both started pooping glass beads about 1/2 inch (I know they are glass as they have chips) anyhow the first one I found I didnt see a turtle poop but it was like how did that get here but the second and third I saw each turtle poop and I found another this morning

as they are rescued turtles all I can assume is someone had a cage full of blue round glass beads (sigh)

Im not rushing them off to the vets as everything else is normal such as eating and basking and well of course pooping and I figure they are passing them as nature allows but it does concern me that the rough edges on some of the beads could have hurt them inside? does anyone with knowlege of this have any advice on this?

perhaps the new diet and quality home have relaxed them enough to pass and its all over so my question here is how long is the digestive process in RES so I know if its over

thanks in advance, jon

[TheComputerGremlin]

I think that the best option here is to be incredibly diligent and pick up every piece they poo out. You may be doing this for many, many weeks ... Look at the sticky thread that says "Get rid of the gravel" http://redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12532

I would not be concerned as long as they are eating and pooing normally. You want to keep an eye out for any blood in the tank, as that could mean something was cut inside. I would continue feeding as you are, since you don't want the consistency to change.

[jonreif]

thanks for advice, i have glanced at the gravel post in the past but it was common sense to me (and I wish to everyone) that much like a human baby to keep anything that fits in the mouth out of reach

I was unaware it may go on for weeks thats what I was concerned about and Ill keep a good eye on them as she was going to eat it again yesterday when I noticed it sitting on the bottom, that makes 4 bits now

I pay very close attention to my turtles, sadly I even eat and sleep near my turtles so I should see any more bits come out