Asked on the Turtle Forum by buzybeehousecleaning on 1/31/03, 12:24 pm

Q: what exactly is that in tortoise urine?

I know that there is suppose to be a creamy discharge in mt torts urine, but it still seems to startle me everytime.. thanks

Answered by Merri on 2/2/03, 11:45 pm

A: what exactly is that in tortoise urine?

It is urates. Urates are the by product of the breakdown of protein. As long as the urates are soft and whitish it is not a problem. If they are hard it means that the tortoise is dehydrated and/or fed too much protein. If they are an unusual color it is often the sign that something is being metabolized that should not be.

Thanks,
Merri