I know this may sound daft or trivial but is it possible for a tort to overdose on limestone flour, i bought some for twiglet as she isnt interested in her cuttlefish at the moment and i just put some in a dish in the corner of her cage and shes beelined for it, shes dragged her food unintentionally i think into it and started munching away she looks like ive talcom powdered her and now im worried :(

sharon xxxxx

Hi Sharon

It is possible but not usual.  A tortoise usually will eat what it needs for good bone development.  Any calcium not metablised by the body is usually carried to the kidneys and excreted - so there is no need to worry.  I have a Russian tortoise like this.  Have you seen the picture of Shadow on the slide show on the home page off the website?  Shes covered in limestone flour and is still very healthy.

Helen

Thanks Helen,

its the 1st time ive used it and now she has a beard like father christmas lol, at least you have put my mind at rest and i can go work without worrying,

sharon xxxxxx

there you go xxx

LOL, I like the picture. I also have a Russian who seems to make a beeline for any white stones she might come across so i have to be extra vigilant and i make sure i put cuttle bone in there for them.

Like Helen says what they dont need they will excrete, hence the white urates.

Ali