Hay...I haven't been posting for a while, been sick, but I just wanted to add my two cents in. I usually mist Pio when he finishes eating and before he goes into his hide. I never saw him in his water dish, but I did see some leaves in there, so I knew he was in it. I finally woke up early enough to catch him. He was just sitting in his dish looking around. He sat there for a good 15 min. or so. I was so excited...I just sat and watched him.

I dont know what you use for a pen. But I use bird bath tops. They sell them at lowes for around 15 bucks. They are about 20"

RFBT that sounds like a good idea for an outside pen for adults.. most have smaller indoor pens.

I like Itorts size/ratio.

Anja the depth isn't what determines the "soak-dish" idea. All water dishes should big big enough in diameter for your tort to stretch out in regardless the species.. hence the term "soak-dish". The DEPTH is critical.. no deeper than chin-deep - so they should be shallow actually.

Let them "self-soak'.. they want to. Provide their needs.. they'll do the rest. One of my adult males "dances" when I spray him.. they all like to be "rained" on!

O.K. Nay?

Terry

Terry, what a great enclosure. Is that inside?? And GREAT idea for the bird bath top. I even think I have one.What a little doll there. And no I have not registered with Redfoot.com. didn't know I could..
Thanks Na

I can't remember what size you said he is. My Rosie is 7". She has a 9"x13" pyrex baking dish. I have it in a corner & pack her substrate around it so she can walk out of it easier. I isn't so deep that if she should roll over in it she can't drown. I make my rounds several times a day to be sure nobody is turned over. Nobody has for quite a while but I still check. It makes me walk around. For my smaller guys/gals I found a plastic container from Walmart that is about 4"x10"x3". I cut one end down to about 3/4" so they can walk in & out easily. Again I pack substrate tight against the front so they have traction for getting out. Both are easy to clean, so it works for me. The pyrex is kind of heavy so it is harder for them to move them if they should try.
Patsy

I bought some plastic plant pots with dish attached with prongs. Took the pot off and had a water dish with prongs pointing up. If the tort flips over, these give it purchase to right it's self.