Feeding and Nutrition :: Rock Eater?

[Dougis]

Why is my RES eating aquarium rocks? Anyone else having this problem? Is it a problem? They look kinda big and I dunno if he can pass them. Any help?

[Tenodera]

Remove the gravel at ONCE!

We're not too sure how much he could have ingested already. Turtles sometimes eat so much it clogs up their system and they usually die.

I would advise taking it to the vet.

Putting it in lukewarm water may encourage it to poop more

[TheComputerGremlin]

Remove anything smaller than the turtle's head immediately. Watch to make sure he's still pooing. He may poo gravel for as many as 6 months, so remove ANY found from now on. This is a common occurrence which is why we advocate removal of anything smaller than the head.

Look at this thread: http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12532

[Chrisbarnett]

yes, definitely get rid of the gravel immediately and read that thread.

[hdaisog]

One of my females (rescued) pooped out rocks for months after we got her. They were the little aquarium ones, but they had sharp corners. I would say it was about a year before she completely stopped, but she might have re-eaten some of them that I missed.