Pancake Tortoise water dish???

[jvaldes55]

I have a 7 month old Pancake tortoise. I have read online contradicting arguments on whether or not you should put a water dish in your pancake's enclosure or just give it weekly soakings. I have been sticking to the weekly soakings mainly because I know they can get most of their water through their food. Should I keep just with the weekly soakings or put a water dish in as well?

 

[dmmj]

I would always advise to let your tortoise have access to water all of the time.

 

[wellington]

Tortoises need access to water all the time. They do not get the amount of water they may need from their food. That is one of those old, bad ways.

 

[Laura]

you can use a ceramic flower pot dish. The type that go under the pot to catch water... the texture gives them some traction, easy to clean, cheap not too deep...

 

[dmmj]

cheap not too deep...

Sounds like some dates I have had.

Regarding having a water dish I use this example. Imagine I only let you drink water once a day, how would that feel? it is always better to offer a dish and if they don't use it no harm done.

 

[jvaldes55]

Thanks everyone I will most definitely be putting one in!

 

[Tim/Robin]

Pancake tortoises drink ALOT!! Way more than you would think! I recommend placing one or soaking every other day or so.

 

[DriveWRX]

Pancake tortoises drink ALOT!! Way more than you would think!

I can confirm this! Pancakes do drink a lot!
So yes, give them a water dish.

Check out my thread in the photos and videos section. The first video is my youngest Pancake finding his water dish and drinking.
Baby Pancake Tortoise Videos

 

[Tom]

I have a 7 month old Pancake tortoise. I have read online contradicting arguments on whether or not you should put a water dish in your pancake's enclosure or just give it weekly soakings. I have been sticking to the weekly soakings mainly because I know they can get most of their water through their food. Should I keep just with the weekly soakings or put a water dish in as well?

This is old, outdated, incorrect info. We know better now.

I recommend a water dish for every tortoise, all species. I would also soak them two or three times a week.