question about soaking

[Talka]

I tried soaking my turtle this morning and he just sniffled and hid. Should I try again tomorrow?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Sandy:

I've moved your question off of LadyOfTheWord's thread just as a courtesy to her. Its always a good idea to start a new thread when you aren't responding to the original poster of a thread, or if you have a question of your own.

Russian tortoises (Testudo Horsfieldii) aren't too fond of being put into a dish of water. If your tortoise is an adult, you probably can get by with just having a waterer in the habitat. But if its a baby, then placing him in shallow water once a day is a good idea. You want to use a dish/bowl with high sides that the tortoise can't climb out of.

 

[Talka]

Ohh ok sorry about that! Different forums, different rules, I guess

Ok, I won't try to freak Sheldon out again with baths hehe. Thanks!

 

[tyler0912]

Sometimes force soaks are the way.... (not forceful... )
Tiago hated them and tried getting away every possibility a few force soaks and he is fine now he knows he is not going anywhere if he sulks so i guess he goes with the flow!

 

[lynnedit]

You can also mist their greens with a sprayer when you feed them, this helps them stay hydrated. Just watch your tort, and well, yes, his pee. There might be some soft white urates, but should be clear urine too. If that is the case, and he is active, then he is hydrated.
Some go ahead and soak their torts in warm water up the the bottom shell weekly in a small opaque plastic container. They may not like it, but 15" won't hurt them.

 

[Talka]

Oh whew. I thought I had scared him half to death. He didn't really move for a few hours after I gave him that bath. When I got home tonight though, he had eaten and had made a mess in his pond!

Weeee! Sheldon is adjusting!

I'm so happy

 

[Amanda1]

I soak my adult Russian daily. The soaking seems to encourage her to do her business, and I'd rather have her mess in her little bath since it's easier to clean than her whole cage. Plus I like to establish a routine for all my animals, as it makes them feel safe.

Once yours adjusts to his new home I'm sure he won't mind the soaks as much.

 

[Utah Lynn]

I like to soak mine, if for no other reason than to keep them clean.

 

[slowpoke]

slowpoke love to soak ... even when i mist him in the mornings its like he is looking for me to spray him down ..