Water for Hermans?

[Hayley1321]

Hi, i just bought a herman tortoise from the pet shop in the UK. When i asked if he needs water the man in the pet shop said no because they get water out of their food. Is this right?

 

[wellington]

Pet stores are one of the worse places for info. Yes they need water 24/7

 

[Hayley1321]

He told me that if they have water they will urinate and poo in it then drink it which is bad for them?? i am so confused what to do..

 

[pugsandkids]

Be sure there is water available at all times. Just change it out when needed. That was an incredibly lazy piece of advice you were given.

 

[Rover15]

I have an adult female hermann and she has a litter pan for a water dish she sometimes climbs in and poops, but I change her water ever 2 days. So yes they need water yes they might pee or poop in the water just change it and keep an eye out

 

[Tom]

Use a terra cotta plant saucer and sink it into the substrate, so that the lip is level with the surface. Change it at least daily, and anytime you see that its soiled.

... and I would make an effort to educate that ignorant person at the pet shop. I would try to do it nicely. If you are summarily dismissed, you will know not to go back there again, and you will have at least tried to do the right thing. Good luck.

 

[Yvonne G]

All animals, no matter what kind they are, deserve FRESH drinking water daily...or more often if you see that it has been dirtied.

Some Hermann's are kept in aspen bedding, which molds when wet, so its not a good idea to keep a waterer in the habitat on aspen bedding. So, in this case, a good soak every day, and water sprinkled over the food is in order.

If the tortoise is an adult, he won't need a daily soaking, but twice a week along with the water on the food should be enough.

 

[Hayley1321]

Thank you all for replying, i have just put some water in his vivarium and put him in it but he just climbed back out, i dont think he is interested in it yet but i will stick to what you guys have told me as i have not found anything on the internet about NOT giving them water.

 

[LeopardTortLover]

Jeeeeeeeez! Pet shops! I made that mistake once and never again! Over summer I'm making quite a few visits to pet shops, nicely and politely of course.
But yep water 24/7. Might be better to double check on this forum any other info you were given.

 

[Hayley1321]

well i was told to give him a different piece of fruit everyday although i have read otherwise.

 

[GBtortoises]

Go with the otherwise! Hermann's should absolutely not be fed fruit daily, or even frequently. Their diet should consist largely of good quality, varied greens and weeds with just a small percentage (about 10-15%) quality vegetables.