Bathing problems

[Gabriella Elia]

hi everyone, My 2 year old Hermann, Templeton is very reluctant to bath. I've read that tortoises should poop it the bath and feel relaxed but Templeton spends the whole time squirming and trying to escape! The water is warm but not hot and only reaches the very bottom of his shell. If anyone could tell me what I'm doing wrong that would be great!

Thanks

 

[dmmj]

you're doing nothing wrong some enjoy it yes most don't. They don't poop because they are relaxed they poop because they're soaking. He may get use to it and enjoy it and he may not there's no way of telling just continue sucking

 

[keepergale]

How are you measuring the water temperature ? My tortoises seem to have water temp preferences. 5 degrees makes a difference to them trying to walk right out or falling asleep in their bath.

 

[Yvonne G]

Also, you don't have enough water in there. Add enough water to come up to the middle of the sides - where the top shell meets the bottom shell...and use a container he can't see out of.

 

[WithLisa]

My Hermanns also hate it, that's why I only bath them twice a year (when they have to be clean for photo documentation). I don't think it's necessary to put them through that stress as long as they have a water bowl and can drink or bath whenever they want.

 

[Tom]

I don't think it's necessary to put them through that stress as long as they have a water bowl and can drink or bath whenever they want.

I would argue that it IS necessary given all the dehydration and kidney stone issues we see from people here in our dry climate that don't soak their tortoises. There are many reasons why a tortoise might choose to not drink from the water vessel someone has chosen for them. Soaking ensures proper hydration even in these cases. Further, if someone soaks a tortoise that really didn't need it, it harms nothing.

 

[Tom]

Also, you don't have enough water in there. Add enough water to come up to the middle of the sides - where the top shell meets the bottom shell...and use a container he can't see out of.

I agree.

 

[Tom]

hi everyone, My 2 year old Hermann, Templeton is very reluctant to bath. I've read that tortoises should poop it the bath and feel relaxed but Templeton spends the whole time squirming and trying to escape! The water is warm but not hot and only reaches the very bottom of his shell. If anyone could tell me what I'm doing wrong that would be great!

Water temperature matters and sometimes the time of day can matter too. Some tortoises are more relaxed first thing in the morning before they warm up. Other tortoises are more relaxed later in the day after they warmed up and eat. Try some different times.

"Warm, but not hot" can mean different things to different people. On a cold day 60 degree water can feel "warm" to cold hands. On a hot summer day here 95 degree water can feel "cool". Use a thermometer and try to keep the water around 85-95. If that doesn't do the trick try going to 80-85.

The biggest problem I see is the soaking vessel. You need something with taller opaque sides, and the water needs to be deeper. I use dishwashing tubs from Walmart. $1.82.

Finally, it is necessary for small tortoises to be properly hydrated. They can literally die from dehydration related issues and many do. Even if your baby seems to not like its soaking adventures, do it any way. My daughter throws a fit when I make her eat food instead of candy for dinner. I make her eat real food anyway, because I know its better for her. Even though she would prefer candy, I know that real food is what she needs. All the exercise in the soaking tub is good for them and helps move things along in the GI tract anyway. And all of them eventually get used to the soaks in time too. I've had a few that acted like the soaking water was acid and thought they were dying. Within a few weeks those very same tortoises learned to relax and enjoy their soak time. It becomes routine and they just settled down about it.

 

[Gillian M]

Like a tort's enclosure I believe its bowl should NOT be transparent. The poor thing would only keep trying to get out of it; be it the bowl or the enclosure.

 

[Gabriella Elia]

Thankyou for all of the great tips! In future I will use a thermometer and a washing up bowl to bath him. How high should the water level be in proportion to his shell?

 

[Yvonne G]

The water should come to where the top shell meets the bottom shell.

 

[Tom]

How high should the water level be in proportion to his shell?

I go a little deeper with the water than most. I go about halfway up their body.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Tidgy likes the water quite deep, just under her chin when the neck is horizontal.
She ducks her head under but can raise it up clear, easily, so she doesn't think she's going to drown!

 

[Gabriella Elia]

Thankyou everyone for your replies! I have just given Templeton a bath and had a very different result. I couldn't find a thermometer but I used warmer water than normal and a washing up bowl instead of my glass salad bowl. At first Templeton did his normal struggling to escape but then I remembered suggestions to add more water, so I added some extra, much warmer water and suddenly Templeton started drinking and dipping his head under. He wandered into the middle and just sat there for about 5 minutes drinking etc. As soon as the water got cold he started to scramble again so I put him back but it was such a better result! Next I need to find a thermometer and measure the water temp to see what his preferred temperature is! Thankyou for all of your suggestions, for now we have a success!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Result!!
I think 15 to 20 minutes is a good time for a soak.

 

[Nephelle]

Thankyou everyone for your replies! I have just given Templeton a bath and had a very different result. I couldn't find a thermometer but I used warmer water than normal and a washing up bowl instead of my glass salad bowl. At first Templeton did his normal struggling to escape but then I remembered suggestions to add more water, so I added some extra, much warmer water and suddenly Templeton started drinking and dipping his head under. He wandered into the middle and just sat there for about 5 minutes drinking etc. As soon as the water got cold he started to scramble again so I put him back but it was such a better result! Next I need to find a thermometer and measure the water temp to see what his preferred temperature is! Thankyou for all of your suggestions, for now we have a success! View attachment 149812View attachment 149814

Yeah, little buddy! He looks so cute and happy in his red bathtub!
I had the exact same experience with my baby RT for the first few days. The moment I changed her soak tub so she couldn't see out, she just sort of sat. Until the water cools, anyway lol. Then she lets me know! I've been using one of those insulated coffee mugs to keep a change of water warm for top offs, it's been pretty handy.

PS - I love love love his name

 

[Alaskamike]

I find a lazer temp gun ( about $15 at Home Depot) works better than a thermometer.

And has multiple uses in checking ground and shell temps in enclosures as well

 

[Kia Sumner]

Shouldn't the water level be at the outline of their shell, otherwise they can drown? I was told..

 

[Alaskamike]

Shouldn't the water level be at the outline of their shell, otherwise they can drown? I was told..

They won't drown. They should not have to struggle to keep head above water.
All tortoises ( that I am aware of ) can swim. But soaking is not a swimming exercise. It should be enjoyable and leisurely for the tortoise. Once they are used to it it will be.
I make water 1/2 way up their shell.

 

[Kia Sumner]

Oh I see, thanks, will make it deeper next time