Help (not using water bowl)

[lbailey4487]

I haven’t seen any signs that my new tortoise is using his water bowl. He is still hiding a good bit during the day but he has been up and eating, moving around later. However, the water dish looks untouched. It’s a ceramic flower pot bottom. I have soaked him twice since I got him last Wednesday but unfortunately both times set him back in the progress of coming out and about while I’m in the room. Advice?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I wouldn’t worry, their bodies work very differently to us in that there’s other ways they keep themselves hydrated, so for example when you soak him, he can actually absorb some through his cloaca, they absorb a lot of moisture through their skin and diet too. Just keep offering fresh water daily, if he feels the need to go and have a drink, he’ll seek it out, he might be taking sips without you noticing

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I haven’t seen any signs that my new tortoise is using his water bowl. He is still hiding a good bit during the day but he has been up and eating, moving around later. However, the water dish looks untouched. It’s a ceramic flower pot bottom. I have soaked him twice since I got him last Wednesday but unfortunately both times set him back in the progress of coming out and about while I’m in the room. Advice?

How old is your tortoise?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

How old is your tortoise?

He looked to be a wild caught adult

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

My wild caught adult doesn't really use his water dish either, but it is still good to have it available. Tom has told me that soaking every other day for 15 minutes should be enough to prevent dehydration even if your tortoise doesn't drink on his own.

Do the soaking in a tall sided container with luke warm water up to the edge of his carapace. Monitor him during soaking in case he flips over or something.

Keep an eye on his urates, if they are gritty it means that he probably isn't getting enough hydration. If they are of a healthy consistency, there isn't a need to worry about his hydration.

 

[Yvonne G]

Is this a Russian tortoise? They're not too interested in water bowls. You can spritz water over his food when you put it down.

 

[lbailey4487]

My wild caught adult doesn't really use his water dish either, but it is still good to have it available. Tom has told me that soaking every other day for 15 minutes should be enough to prevent dehydration even if your tortoise doesn't drink on his own.

Do the soaking in a tall sided container with luke warm water up to the edge of his carapace. Monitor him during soaking in case he flips over or something.

Keep an eye on his urates, if they are gritty it means that he probably isn't getting enough hydration. If they are of a healthy consistency, there isn't a need to worry about his hydration.

I haven’t noticed any urates yet. He has pooped during both soaks but not any other that I’ve noticed.

 

[lbailey4487]

Is this a Russian tortoise? They're not too interested in water bowls. You can spritz water over his food when you put it down.

I wouldn’t worry, their bodies work very differently to us in that there’s other ways they keep themselves hydrated, so for example when you soak him, he can actually absorb some through his cloaca, they absorb a lot of moisture through their skin and diet too. Just keep offering fresh water daily, if he feels the need to go and have a drink, he’ll seek it out, he might be taking sips without you noticing

I actually feel better now. I was getting anxious, so decided to soak him during my lunch. I think part of the problem is that he was constipated. All that lack of movement from hiding, maybe? He took a good poo, I changed the water, and he took a giant poo and peed finally. i changed the water a second time and he seems to be finally done and just chilling. Hopefully he will now feel better!

 

[mojo_1]

Being such naturally, slow creatures. I think in our minds we will see them do things like use their water dish. The truth is unless you have a camera on them 24/7 it may be months before you see them actually use it.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

All that lack of movement from hiding, maybe?

That is possible. Relocation stress is common in tortoises, and I wouldn't worry about too much hiding just yet.