A few pieces of substrate are probably not an issue, it undoubtably occurs in the wild as well. However, if a few pieces of sand every day accumulate in the gastro/intestinal, it may be problematic. I would try to minimize it, maybe use a bigger diam. clay bowl, like you put flower pots on? When your tortoise is larger, they are probably less of a concern, but one hears stories of hatchlings getting into trouble,sometimes actually eating substrate! It sounds like you are doing things right, and it is good to be concerned and check the details. I would try to keep the food "clean", but I wouldn't be worried about an occassional substrate item, assuming your substrate in nontoxic etc. Sand and gravel are the most likely to lead to problems IF they start eating it in quantity...the organics usually pass through. My herd consumes a lot of grainy,gritty oyster shell and seems to have no problem with it. I would assume tortoises get essential minerals etc. by eating a limited amount of gravel and calcium chips, egg shells etc. Good luck, vic h.

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