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I had been having runny stool problems with my BTS since I got him over a month ago. His stool was solid the first day I brought him home. I think it is the low quality dogfood (Ol' Roy's at Wal-mart) I was giving him that was giving him runny stool because when I switched the dogfood to Purina's Mighty Dog dogfood for seniors just 2 days ago, the day after, he had a solid stool (only the third one since he's been in my care). But today he had runny stool again. Is it possible that he still has some of the low-quality dogfood in his system, and that is what caused the runny stool? It seems highly coincidental to me that he would have solid stool just after having a different dogfood.

The second solid stool he's ever had in my care was when I was experimenting with the same Purina dogfood mentioned earlier. But I switched back to the Ol' Roy's because I just didn't make the connection at that time and figured the dogfood was the same so I foolishly stuck with the low quality stuff. BTW, the BTS is an awesome eater. He eats everything I offer him so I don't think parasites is what's causing the runny stool. Let me know what you guys think.

If I am right about the dogfood situation, I want everyone to learn from my mistake. Nothing beats feeding your BTS higher quality food items, don't try to cut corners or be cheap like I stupidly was. I really hope I am right about the dogfood theory because I plan to construct an enclosure for the BTS, but I don't want him to make a big mess every time he defecates.

Hey mate - I'm not sure if this is a reason for the problem - just somethign I noticed with my Blueys. When I feed them grapes and watery foods - they seem to get the runs too. If you are feeding them watery foods - try changing it slightly. As I said - I'm not sure if this is the problem or even if it's correct - but since I stopped feeing my 2 grapes - they don't splat everywhere.

Luke.

If I'm wrong about the dogfood, I have no idea what else could be causing the runs. The only foods I regularly give my BTS are yellow squash, turnip and mustard greens, raw green beans, and carrots. Some occasional treats include tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, zuchini, kale greens, strawberries, and others. I didn't give any of the occasional treats to my BTS in at least a week so it's got to be one of foods I regularly offer the BTS or, hopefully, the dogfood that's causing the runny stools.

Yellow bell peppers???? Are they hot? if so that could be part of it - Just like too much chilli gives us humans the runs.???

lol. I thought that would exhibit that kind of response. Bell Peppers are not hot at all. At one point I thought the same thing as you did, that maybe they might be causing the runny stools, but I haven't offered it in about two weeks so I doubt that that was what the causing the runs, which is why my new theory is centered on dogfood.

I forgot to mention that yellow bell peppers are very nutritious, much more so than their green counterparts. The yellow variety are high in vitamin A and C. The BTS really seems to be attracted to its vibrant yellow coloration. Perhaps you should experiment with it as well, at least once, to add just a little more variety to your skinks' diet. But keep an eye out for the runs (just in case).

Yeah - they are attracted to yellow aren't they! They seem to like corn too! so i'll definitely give that a try! Here in Oz we call it Capsicum. and as I say - the real question is - can Capsicum?

Also dude ->

I was just thinking back to when I got my first skink.
Runny stool was a prob for me too! I loaded her up on bananas and it did the trick! try that! it worked for me!

I always thought that bananas would simply make things worse, but if it worked for you I will definitely give it a try. Thanks.

Rich -

Here in Aus we have this dog food that comes in a roll form - kind of like a big putz. haha - not sure what it's called anywhere else - but I know that it's called megabite here. The stuff smells like strasburg and is low fat. Normally I feed my 2 that after zapping it in the microwave for like 8secs as to take the chill off it. Do you have that sort of dog food where you are?

I've never heard of that type of dogfood before. Here in the states, I think all we have is canned and dried. Great variety huh?

Hi Rich
Perhaps it's not the food causing the problem, especially since you can't think of any real change in your BTS's diet. Maybe it's something more insidious like parasites...might pay to get a vet to check it out if the problem persists.
Good luck.
Susan

hahaha HUGE!!!! - As susan said - It could be parasites/mites - but generally (to my knowledge) weight loss occurs - But I'd have to agree - a vet checkup would be a smart option! atleast that way, if it is the food - your vet may suggest something to you.

Luke