Tortoise concerns.....

[Random_dude88]

Have tried a few other bits of food, dandelions etc that I have seen suggested on here but she seems to eat very little, however as it's my first time looking after a tort I don't know how much they normally eat etc. Only instructions I got from him was when to feed/replace the pellets, no mention of soaking. Tank has 2 lights in, one I got told not to use as it heats up the tank too much?

 

[Random_dude88]

the light I got told not to use Is The One currently off. Just says night glo on it

 

[Sara G.]

Those cool bulbs can hurt tort eyes very badly.
Is there anyway you can take the tort outside for some natural sunshine?

 

[Random_dude88]

With the lack of sunshine and working through the day it's unlikely I'll get chance to. Got a garden that gets sun all day so will get her out there if it's ever shining when I'm at home

 

[Sara G.]

I don't want to suggest to you that you should go out and buy new bulbs (and build a new enclosure for that matter ) but I'm not really sure what you could do since the tortoise technically isn't yours.
I'd definitely give the poor tort a soak once a day or every two days for about 20 minutes in warm water. It'll be a new experience for the tort and get him out of that tiny tank.

 

[Random_dude88]

If it was down to me she would have a new home by now already. I'll definitly try giving her a soak tho as it's been suggested a couple of times. Any tips on best way to do it? As I've mentioned before it's my first time handling a tort.

 

[Sara G.]

Honestly I do my soaks in the tub. But I have a bigger tort so it's easier that way.
But if you have a high sided container that the tort can't see or climb out of then that will work.
Just make sure you keep the water warm throughout the soak (that's why the tub works better for me, holds the heat more).

And don't be alarmed if all the tort seems to want to do is GET OUT!
That's super common, and it's not bad exercise for the tort either. Eventually the tort will get used to it if it is done regularly. But for now he'll probably be frantic to escape when you give him a bath.

 

[TortoiseWarrior]

Here's me soaking a baby



Get a nice well sided dish with warm water for about 20 to 30 mins
Just so you can get an idea since it's your first handling

 

[Random_dude88]

Thankyou all for the support. Gave her a soak today. Not sure if she like it or not as there was a lot of splashing around. Let her have a run around the living room which was good to see her pottering around. Not very often she moves around in the tiny tank

 

[Rue]

If she's not used to being soaked, she probably won't like it to start with, but she might come to like it. I'd say it's all good for her.

 

[JoesMum]

I find soaking first thing in the morning before your tort has warmed up properly works best. It's more likely to relax into the warm water.

The water does need to be warm, but not hot. If it's cold, your tort will want out. Change the water if it gets chilly.

 

[Rue]

For what it's worth, I start with the water at 98 F (love that temperature gun)...and after 15 minutes it's down to about 73 F.

And after 15 minutes she's telling me she wants out...so it works for us.