How often should I clean the small bath in her tank?

[Jessica Thomas]

I have a smallish bath in her tank and I was wondering how deep I should make it and how often I should clean it. Thanks.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

If you can sink the water dish into the substrate to be at ground level, that would make it easiest for your tortoise to get the drinking and self soaking they need so much.
As for cleaning the dish, if it's dirty, clean it. Try not to clean it in any sink household dishes are washed in and avoid the bathroom sink as well.

 

[JoesMum]

Hi Jessica

Welcome to TFO

The reptile water baths are not great for tortoises. They're a tipping hazard and they're hard for a tort to use, even the ones with ramps.

A terracotta plant saucer makes a much better and safer water dish that you can push into the substrate so it's level with the surface.

It will probably need swilling under the tap and refilling every morning when you tidy up the enclosure.

If you post pictures of your enclosure and lighting we will be happy to offer further advice on setup.

Have you read the TFO guides to care? I recommend starting with this one:

Beginner Mistakes
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

Also Baby Russian Care (if you have a young/small tort)
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...or-other-herbivorous-tortoise-species.107734/

And/or Russian Care (if your tort is older)
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/

 

[Yvonne G]

You should change the water at least once a day, and maybe more often if it gets very dirty.