Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I put my largest brown outside today for the first time; it isn't supposed to go below 55F but I've given him (her) a nice pile of straw for cover.
My question is this: I noticed the tortoise eating small pebbles, first time I've ever seen this. Do browns utilize gastroliths?

I have seen this before in M.e.e. It is called Picta and is not fully understood. I do understand one thing about it. For what ever reason, stop it from doing it any more. Feed it a lot of Romane lettice to help flush out its system. They can pass the rocks and be none the worst or get an intestinal blockage and it is a super serious situation. Keep it seperate it a container where you can monitor the "output. e.mail me direct if you need more advice. Vic morgan

Thanks Vic...I'll keep an eye on her (him)

Let us all know how it goes! It would be good for everyone to know how to deal with it. Rocks art not common here in Fl. unless you add them. In my case I just had to remove the rocks. I've had dirt eating out here too, and its freeky. I always thought this was an intresting behaviour. Mine just pooped it out and it was over like nothing happened. The dirt eaters were ok too, but the "twist' to that story was... the mushroons that grew out of that spot weeks later! Good luck Vic