sakkakth said:So is a "force soak" considered putting a tort in water it doens't want to be in or putting it in water at all?... Tuck seems to not just tolerate but actually enjoy being in his little bathtub. It will take him up to 30 minutes to start popping his head over the wall indicating it's out time.
Do I not do this even tho he seems to like it and just let him choose to use his water bowls on his own or do you feel it's ok for torts who seem to find it nice?
It's perfectly fine to do more frequent soaks if they enjoy it. Also there are times when even a tort who doesn't like it, does need his soaks. It's just like saying if the tort doesn't like eating good food, then by all means keep feeding him just iceburg lettuce. Let's not stress him by only putting that "nasty", but good for him food only in his dish. The fact is, when in captivity they can't always make all the options they may want. Sometimes you have to make healthy choices for them. Give them as many options as you can, but always be prepared to step in.
Often warm soaks are especially helpful for torts who are not eating. It seems to stimulate eating.