Substrate Confusion

Question
QUESTION: I have an Eastern River Cooter juvenile; got her in May when she was about the size of a half dollar.  She is about 5 to six inches now and is thriving.  We have her in a 55 gallon tank with everything she needs including substrate consisting of pea sized or smaller pebbles.  She seems to love eating the smaller ones. Will this harm her? I've head yes and no answers. I just don't want to put her in harms way if I need to switch to something else. She seems to enjoy digging around in it too. She is Awesome!  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: i prefer to leave it as natural as possible. I would not use pebbles however as she may eat them and become impacted and this can cause you serious issues espically at her size.
I would increase the size to bigger than her nouth can opne. you still can make the tank look nice but its safer for her,

Best to you please let me know if I can assist further


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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think I should go have her x rayed then? She has been pooping regularly. Should I just watch her to be sure?

Answer
If she is moving regularily, I would not be concerned. However I am not a vet but a person whho does rescue and rehan and housing.
I would never try to advise against a vet visit. I would say that if she is acting normal and bowels are moving normal then I would just keep an eye on her.

best to you please let me know if i can assist more.




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