Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, All,

I fed a group of my little stars Timothy Hay about three times a week for two months, with the last feeding occurring about a month and a half ago. To prepare the hay, I soaked it overnight, then cut it up into small bite-sized pieces that I mixed with their leafy greens. The question is, two and a half months later, should I still be seeing bits of this hay in their waste? Because I do. Is it normal that these hay bits remain in their systems for over a month? Or should I abstain from feeding for fear of impaction on hay??

The enclosure is a large Vision tub, with Mercury lamp and heat emitter on one side. There is a humid hide. It is bedded with cypress mulch, and the torts are gaining weight and looking good, about 4" long now.

Thanks, and Best,

Tony

I read one study on tortoises where the average turnover rate was about 15 days. This, I'm sure, is temperature dependent.

Also, keep in mind that these guys will seek out any little bit of hay they can find. I'd be surprised if they were not finding left over morsels.

If they are active and regular, I wouldn't worry about impaction.

>>Hi, All,
>>
>>I fed a group of my little stars Timothy Hay about three times a week for two months, with the last feeding occurring about a month and a half ago. To prepare the hay, I soaked it overnight, then cut it up into small bite-sized pieces that I mixed with their leafy greens. The question is, two and a half months later, should I still be seeing bits of this hay in their waste? Because I do. Is it normal that these hay bits remain in their systems for over a month? Or should I abstain from feeding for fear of impaction on hay??
>>
>>The enclosure is a large Vision tub, with Mercury lamp and heat emitter on one side. There is a humid hide. It is bedded with cypress mulch, and the torts are gaining weight and looking good, about 4" long now.
>>
>>Thanks, and Best,
>>
>>Tony
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

n/p