Is this normal peeling?

GingerLove

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I just wondered if this is normal peeling for a tortoise. My enclosure keeps getting dry, but I add water to the bedding to make it wet and I spray her with a squirt bottle every now and again. She has a dish in her enclosure that is large enough for her to soak in. When I let her play outside, I often splash some water on her because it is SO hot out. How do I keep the cage from getting so dry? And does this look normal? peely 006.jpg peely 004.jpg peely 007.jpg
 

Nicole M

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Looks normal, yes. To help ease it off, try to keep your tort very well hydrated. Even if there's a dish that the tortoise can soak in, try to get her into a tub of warm water and let her soak for 20-30 minutes every day/every other day.
 

Jodie

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Frequent soaks will help. I dump water into substrate to keep it moist underneath. Spraying does not help much. A closed chamber enclosure will help hold humidity in as well.
 

Gillian M

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Where do you live? If the climate is that dry and hot then please give your cute tort two, or even three soaks in warm water so as to avoid dehydration as well as pyramiding. Here in Jordan, there's been a HEATWAVE, with temperature reaching 40 degrees C (about 104 degrees F). I have been giving Oli at least three soaks in warm water.
 

GingerLove

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I live in Florida. It's super hot outside, but it's also humid. I guess I will have to increase the soaks. She hates them, but it seems that she needs them! And Jodie, do you stir the substrate after you dump the water? I always stir it... maybe that's why it gets dry faster. Thanks everyone!
 

Nicole M

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I live in Florida. It's super hot outside, but it's also humid. I guess I will have to increase the soaks. She hates them, but it seems that she needs them! And Jodie, do you stir the substrate after you dump the water? I always stir it... maybe that's why it gets dry faster. Thanks everyone!
No, you should definitely stir! And you should dump s lot in--more than you think. Make it very moist, but not sopping wet. It'll take longer to dry out that way. Maybe do it during her daily soaks! That's what I do every morning. I toss in a couple Nalgene's worth of water and mix around while my russian's in the bath!
 

GingerLove

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Okay, thanks! I'll give it a try! I always do four glasses full of water so that the dirt is just right... but then it dries the next day! I'll try some more and do more soaking.
 

Gillian M

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I live in Florida. It's super hot outside, but it's also humid. I guess I will have to increase the soaks. She hates them, but it seems that she needs them! And Jodie, do you stir the substrate after you dump the water? I always stir it... maybe that's why it gets dry faster. Thanks everyone!
Are you sure the water is war enough? Am asking as Oli loves being soaked so long as the water is warm. Once it cools down he begins to struggle trying to get out.
 

GingerLove

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It's probably not warm enough, now that you mention it. I'm a little afraid of having a boiled tortoise! I'll warm it up and see how she does. I'll soak her today.
 

Speedy-1

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Really Speedy...that warm?
Yes , that warm , Speedy's daily soaks last an hour or less until the water cools off and he starts exhibiting the behavior described as "my tort doesn't like to soak" ! IE; fidgeting , running around , and trying to get out of the cold uncomfortable water ! :)
 

GingerLove

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Okay, so I just tried to give her a warm soak. I used a lot warmer water than I usually do, and I took her out before it got cold. She still hated it!!! She started to panic and shifted around so much that her head kept dipping in the water and then she would panic and blow bubbles out her nose. It wasn't that deep, but she kept splashing. Maybe it's the color of the bowl I'm using to soak her. It's yellow. Do you guys use a clear container?
 

Speedy-1

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Okay, so I just tried to give her a warm soak. I used a lot warmer water than I usually do, and I took her out before it got cold. She still hated it!!! She started to panic and shifted around so much that her head kept dipping in the water and then she would panic and blow bubbles out her nose. It wasn't that deep, but she kept splashing. Maybe it's the color of the bowl I'm using to soak her. It's yellow. Do you guys use a clear container?
That's odd , sorry to hear it ! Color has never made a difference for me , as Speedy grew I have had a clear one , a yellow one , right now he soaks in a white one . I cant imagine why , maybe time of day ? Is there a big difference between the temp in the room and the water temp. ? I guess "inquiring minds want to know" ?
 

GingerLove

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Well... here in Florida it's 4:00 in the afternoon when I soaked her. When I soak her, I take her outside. (Her home is indoors but she is used to going outside once a day). It is very hot and humid out today, in the 90's for sure. Maybe she was too warm?
Also, I used a bowl, and not a square dish. It's a little small, but there is room for her to turn and walk just a bit. I am going to try to get something bigger soon. Could the size, shape, or temp be causing her distress?
She's so funny. She's holding a grudge against me right now for "torturing" her and refuses to be pet. ;)
 

Speedy-1

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Well... here in Florida it's 4:00 in the afternoon when I soaked her. When I soak her, I take her outside. (Her home is indoors but she is used to going outside once a day). It is very hot and humid out today, in the 90's for sure. Maybe she was too warm?
Also, I used a bowl, and not a square dish. It's a little small, but there is room for her to turn and walk just a bit. I am going to try to get something bigger soon. Could the size, shape, or temp be causing her distress?
She's so funny. She's holding a grudge against me right now for "torturing" her and refuses to be pet. ;)
I don't know that size or shape would make a difference , it never has for me ! Some folks have soaked their torts in the bath tub with good results . Guess you will need to experiment ? I am lucky , Speedy has always loved his "hot tub" ! :D

Hot Tub 1.jpg

Hot Tub 4.jpg
 

GingerLove

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Awwww, he's a good looking tort! How old is he? Maybe the sides are too low on the bowl I use. I think that could be causing the problem because she can just barely see over the top. I'll keep an eye out for a tub like yours. And does your tort actually like getting water poured on his head?? My tort must be so moody, she hates water on her head!! She'd rather chill in the sun. ;)heartbeat 075.jpg
 

Sara G.

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While your tort isn't that big, you can try doing what I do as using the bathtub.
For me it keeps the water warmer longer. Plus the tub isn't really used for baths but for showers and I clean it after bath time anyway so it doesn't bother me. I do understand that it might bother some people though ;)
But you can try that, it'll give your tort more room to walk around in and keep him busy with pacing. It'll be good exercise, hopefully give a bowel movement, and good hydration all in one!
:D
 

GingerLove

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I would love for her to have more room to walk around in. Maybe I'll give it a try! It's just the bowel movement part that gets me. ;) Thanks!
 

Gillian M

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It's probably not warm enough, now that you mention it. I'm a little afraid of having a boiled tortoise! I'll warm it up and see how she does. I'll soak her today.
I check the water before I "dip" Oli into it.:D
 
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