Tortoise Mommy
New Member
Thanks! I have her food and water in dishes, I just bought extras.
Amen!!! That was what I was going thru too.Very helpful thank you. I'm glad things are slowly improving for these guys.
Prior to the wide spread availability of the internet, computer, and smart phone, many people often believed in exactly what the pet shop owner, reptile trade vendor, and backyard neighbor/breeder said about tortoises. Those who were more interested in advanced tortoise care would need to go to the local library and deal with issues surrounding available publications and or would need to go to a larger library that had them at the time. Because many people didn't have the luxury or time to do so, the majority of the tortoise pet industry believed in certain theories surrounding the need to mimic natural conditions or the idea of such conditions brought forth by certain individuals/experts, which as you may know, in some parts are outdated and misguided to say the least.
To be honest, I don't remember soaking being that a big concept as it is today (in tortoise forum*) when I was first dealing with turtles and tortoises during the early 90's. I still remember receiving my first turtle(s)? (I can't remember the amount) in a fishbowl with no heating elements, no UV(B) bulb, and a can of dried turtle food.
I don't soak my Russian everyday because...in the summer where I live the humidity is off the charts. Even in the room I keep him in inside. When I bring him in I just make sure he's clean. I am going to use a lot of the ideas I've seen on tortoise forum for the winter though and already have...but isn't it funny how a tortoise half hates to get wet yet a turtle needs to dry out a bit.I don't mist my hatchling. I just slowly pour the soak water over her and she doesn't seem to mind much. I think I misted get twice since I've had her and it startled her both times so I stopped.
May I ask why people don't soak adult Russians or alike everyday?
Ok!! She seems to like climbing in her water dish, so maybe she'll like soaking! We will see!
Yes it isAmen!!! That was what I was going thru too.
I don't soak my Russian everyday because...in the summer where I live the humidity is off the charts. Even in the room I keep him in inside. When I bring him in I just make sure he's clean. I am going to use a lot of the ideas I've seen on tortoise forum for the winter though and already have...but isn't it funny how a tortoise half hates to get wet yet a turtle needs to dry out a bit.
I have a question. Do wild tortoises have pyrimiding? Since I've never really seen it I was just wondering. I had never even heard of it until I got on tortoise forum. I'm only on tortoise forum because I got a schmarter phone then me and have somewhat learned how to use itYes it is
That is unusual for a Russian; perhaps she has not had a drink in a long while. Even if she had a water dish, I'd it was the wrong kind she might not have been able to use it.
I would expect that behavior to drop off fairly soon. But as others have said, extra soaking won't hurt.
I have a question. Do wild tortoises have pyrimiding? Since I've never really seen it I was just wondering. I had never even heard of it until I got on tortoise forum. I'm only on tortoise forum because I got a schmarter phone then me and have somewhat learned how to use it
She may be borderline dehydrated. Routine soaks will help and may keep her from self soaking.When I brought her home Saturday and got her all set up she went straight to the water bowl and stayed there for most of the night, was there Sunday morning when I woke up. She came out Sunday and ate her food, went to her bask corner for a while then back in the water before tucking herself in for the night in her little house! So what you're saying about her maybe not having adequate water before I got her makes perfect sense.
When I brought her home Saturday and got her all set up she went straight to the water bowl and stayed there for most of the night, was there Sunday morning when I woke up. She came out Sunday and ate her food, went to her bask corner for a while then back in the water before tucking herself in for the night in her little house! So what you're saying about her maybe not having adequate water before I got her makes perfect sense.
We soaked tonight and will again on Wednesday. We're thinking 3 times this first week, then going to twice a week.She may be borderline dehydrated. Routine soaks will help and may keep her from self soaking.
Sounds like the place you purchased your tortoise from did little to care for that tortoise's needs. For adult tortoise already showing signs of dehydration, I suggest raising soakings, feedings, and ambient temperature levels by 5F+ for the time being.
Where was this adult tortoise purchased from?
I have a question. Do wild tortoises have pyrimiding? Since I've never really seen it I was just wondering.