I have a question about soaking a hatchling.. Help!!

[shandrea]

I just bought a one month old Sulcata yesterday... We read that we should soak him once a day for 15 minutes. When he's in the water, he does this weird "stretch-like" thing where he tries to retract into his shell for a second then comes out.
We are kind of worried...if anyone has any answers or info, please let me know!

 

[Missy]

Sounds like he may be trying to poo. Has he been pooing every day? It is important to keep the water warm, you can put the soaking dish on a heat pad on low to keep it warm.

 

[shandrea]

Yes he has pooped 2-3 times since we got him yesterday. We were just worried because it looks so weird. Thanks for the help.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

That's completely normal, stop worrying...

 

[shandrea]

Thanks guys :]

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One more thing... Is it normal for him to take little "naps" throughout the day? He takes about 2-3 naps during the day. And is it normal for them to "bob" their head and feet while napping?

 

[Emorales]

Tom will probably be by with his excellent caresheet for Sulcatas. As far as the sleeping thing, I'm not sure how normal it is but Oscar does the same thing.

 

[Tom]

Yep. Here ya go.
http://tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies

The naps are very normal too.

Good for you on the daily soaks. A lot of people don't feel that those are necessary, much less important. I'm not one of those people. I think they are critical.