General Care Discussion :: How to tell if gravel is not toxic?

[thinice16]

I want to go to my near by creek and get some gravel and rocks but how do i tell if they are not toxic ?

[Chrisbarnett]

Chances are they are not toxic. Do not take gravel, your turtle will eat it and possibly become impacted and die.

But if you do get some large rocks, you should boil them for about 5 minutes or more before putting them into the tank.

[thinice16]

ok thanks

[untsmurf]

Make sure you measure each rock individually and make sure it is larger than your turtles head. This will guarantee he won't be able to eat them. And definitely sterilize them.

[thinice16]

What should i sterilize them with?

[untsmurf]

You can boil them for about 5-10 minutes like Chris said.

[thinice16]

ok thanks

[megcornell]

Or you can bake them. That way you won't scratch up any pots or pans.