Soaking clarification?

[Megatron's Mom]

So my two tortes are still scaredy cats. When I soak them they tuck in and wait until I back away. So if I add enough water to reach the top and bottom of the shell while standing and they tuck in do I need to worry about how long they are underwater?

 

[wellington]

Just above where the two shells meet
And no, they should pop their heads out when they need air, of that's what you are worried about.

 

[Megatron's Mom]

Just above where the two shells meet
And no, they should pop their heads out when they need air, of that's what you are worried about.

Yes that is what I worry about. If I make it so the water meets the shell while they stand but they tuck in. It's about their head. Makes me worry.

 

[wellington]

I never made the water that deep when standing. Usually they were not standing. But, yes, they will pop their heads out to breath.

 

[Megatron's Mom]

I never made the water that deep when standing. Usually they were not standing. But, yes, they will pop their heads out to breath.

Ok good because I haven't made it that deep either. I wondered if I should though. Thanks

 

[wellington]

Ok good because I haven't made it that deep either. I wondered if I should though. Thanks

No, it doesn't need to be deep. If they weren't standing and you made the level just above where the two shells meet, that's enough. You can go higher with no problem, but I would measure it with them not standing.

 

[Renee_H]

So my two tortes are still scaredy cats. When I soak them they tuck in and wait until I back away. So if I add enough water to reach the top and bottom of the shell while standing and they tuck in do I need to worry about how long they are underwater?

I mean my girl frantically tries to get out climbing up falling down creating tidal waves and it looks like she’s trying to drown herself and I’m a nervous wreck until the timer goes off and I take her out of the water! It’s not something I enjoy at all and I only subject us to that once a week. Thank goodness she’s full grown and drinks from her bowl daily.

 

[Megatron's Mom]

I mean my girl frantically tries to get out climbing up falling down creating tidal waves and it looks like she’s trying to drown herself and I’m a nervous wreck until the timer goes off and I take her out of the water! It’s not something I enjoy at all and I only subject us to that once a week. Thank goodness she’s full grown and drinks from her bowl daily.

Mine just like to hide in their shell. If I move away they come out but if they see any movement pop right back in. Silly things

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Mine also tries to climb the walls. I worry about him flipping himself (has happened a few times)! He is content for 5 to 10 mins max of the 30 min soak. Unfortunately, he doesn't drink on his own.

 

[Sarah2020]

It is sudden movements and aerial attack fear. I soak and walk away and observe from afar. Over time that will get used to it but once in you should not have to move or handle then until the end. They twist and walk around. Half way through I prep a new warm shallow water container and move it over to maintain warmth. They will drink , poo and wee.

 

[wellington]

I mean my girl frantically tries to get out climbing up falling down creating tidal waves and it looks like she’s trying to drown herself and I’m a nervous wreck until the timer goes off and I take her out of the water! It’s not something I enjoy at all and I only subject us to that once a week. Thank goodness she’s full grown and drinks from her bowl daily.

Good exercise though.

 

[wellington]

Mine also tries to climb the walls. I worry about him flipping himself (has happened a few times)! He is content for 5 to 10 mins max of the 30 min soak. Unfortunately, he doesn't drink on his own.

None of that would hurt, but that is why they should always be monitored, as I'm sure you do.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

None of that would hurt, but that is why they should always be monitored, as I'm sure you do.

I do, some have adviced not to but I am too scared to leave him alone. Just wanted to note that being scared for your tortoise is normal and sometimes good.

 

[wellington]

I do, some have adviced not to but I am too scared to leave him alone. Just wanted to note that being scared for your tortoise is normal and sometimes good.

They should never be left alone in a soak. You can step away, like Megatron's mom has to do, but always keeping an eye on them. Anyone saying to just leave them unattended is 100% wrong.
Now it is more dangerous for little ones to be left then an adult, as it's not likely an adult will drown, but still shouldn't be done.