Should by tortoise hibernate?

Question
QUESTION: Recently, my tortoise has been pooping out bladder stones, they aren't big like those in normal pictures, but they aren't small sized. They are about an inch in diameter. I've been giving him a variety of foods (dandelion greens, watercress, etc) after finding this, and he's been eating a little, but not as much as he used to. I'm not sure if he should hibernate after having his bladder stones, and every time I give him water, he doesn't want to drink it, and he won't stay and bask in the water either. Recently I picked him up and there was a yellowish, brown mucus-like liquid where he was sleeping. Is he sick? And with what? He sneezes, but it's not wet. Also, should he hibernate?

ANSWER: Megan,  This stone problem could be alot of things. I don't think its a defficiency or too much calcium. Is your water well water maybe high in mineral content like iron or lime. This is not a fix this guy needs to see a vet. ASAP As far as hibernation most tortoise in captivity dont some need too, and some you can make beacuse its necessary for them too. You can tell me what type he is and I can give you further information on his hibernation needs. In the meantime these stones are painful and can  cause physical damage scarring and he needs a vet.It may even be a simple food allergy but a DR. can diagnose him. Please keep me updated, Tina

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QUESTION: Thanks, we've found out that too much protein causes the stones, and we've been giving him a LOT of protein recently (for the past month or so). Therefore we just stopped giving him the protein and feeding him the variety of foods and plants. He is a mohave desert tort, and we've hibernated him for two years so far, and he's done pretty good, I'm just concerned if we should hibernate him this year with his recent stones.

Answer
Meagan,   I'm glad you have found out what it is. These guys do eat protein. I would give him abit of canned albacore tuna next time in small amounts. Oh and they almost always go for boiled egg. In the summer when he is out if you take him out he will eat insects because they love your flowers. If he keeps having that discharge I would see if he needs some antibiotic. Because of the gases created when they hibernate and this has been a digestive problem . I would not hibernate him this year. The gases created while hibernating can cause him to suffocate. If he was mine I wouldn't take the chance. Also to run any small stones that may be left go and get some mineral oil and give him a teaspoon full to help everything left pass. I am going to send you a care sheet (I hate doing that but, I thought it was interesting)He is almost completely herbivorous. You don't have much time so if you are going to hibernate your baby you can check on him now and then.   Really, Really, Good Luck, Tina    http://www.allexperts.com/expertx.cgi?m=11&expID=122028&qID=4917835