The white stuff is uric acid buildup that is being eliminated when the tortoise goes to the bathroom. Uric acid is produced when the tortoise burns it's own tissues for energy... in other words, when it eats less calories than it burns. Try feeding it a little more, or more often. Everyday when the tortoise is active in summer. Feed it as much food as it can eat in an hours time, or really as much food as it is willing to eat. Tortoises will not overeat if given leafy greens (as opposed to "tortoise food" or something). Your tortoise will not become obese on a leafy green diet as long as he is given enough time and space outdoors to be active.
Oct 28, 2009
tortoise elimination by: Anonymous
Birds and tortoises leave similar things behind when they evacuate their digestive tracts. If you are new to having a tortoise that might be what you are seeing.
But if you've had your tortoise a long time, and this is something new, see a vet.