tortoise bath time ??

[immiexxo]

Hey,

I've been bathing my tort however I'm not sure exactly what I'm supposed to be doing and how long for.

I'll attach 2 pics of the things I bath Percy in, the tin one I sit him in for a longer amount of time and the round one is the one he can go in and out as he pleases.

What should tortoise bath times consist of and how often should I be bathing a 5 year old Hermanns.

Thank you!

 

[dmmj]

A 5 year old I would you 2 times a week 20 minutes of time remember most tortoises hate it but it essential to good health a hydrated tortoise is a healthy one

 

[immiexxo]

A 5 year old I would you 2 times a week 20 minutes of time remember most tortoises hate it but it essential to good health a hydrated tortoise is a healthy one

So do I just leave him to soak in the water for 20 mins? X

 

[dmmj]

yes sorry I should have explained more. leave them in there

 

[dmmj]

make sure it's warm

 

[Keith D.]

I would soak him anywhere from 30 min to a hour if he is like my torts and don't mind the soaking. And if I remember right you just got him not to long ago and are dealing with him having pyramiding so I would soak him daily for a couple months the bring it down to 2 or 3 times a week. The roasting pan is a decent choice to soak him in, I would probably do it in a solid colored Rubbermaid tote or like I do, in the kitchen sink (of course then I clean the sinks with bleach when I'm done). Your water dish is correct also. I use tepid water to soak my torts (water temp that you would use for a baby). Your doing great Immie, keep up the good work and keep asking questions

 

[immiexxo]

I would soak him anywhere from 30 min to a hour if he is like my torts and don't mind the soaking. And if I remember right you just got him not to long ago and are dealing with him having pyramiding so I would soak him daily for a couple months the bring it down to 2 or 3 times a week. The roasting pan is a decent choice to soak him in, I would probably do it in a solid colored Rubbermaid tote or like I do, in the kitchen sink (of course then I clean the sinks with bleach when I'm done). Your water dish is correct also. I use tepid water to soak my torts (water temp that you would use for a baby). Your doing great Immie, keep up the good work and keep asking questions

Thank you, it's nice to hear I'm not doing too bad haha.
I will use a rubber maid tote as he does try to get out after five minutes or so so this will enable him to stay soaked for longer. Thank you for the advice.

I've been using lukewarm water just up to his neck, is this too shallow?

 

[dmmj]

no it should be fine you want just to cover right up to the plasrlton

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

All sounds excellent to me, though I agree that for now 15 to 20 minutes a day may be in order.
Nice photos, too.

 

[immiexxo]

He always tries to get out, shall I just leave him in there for the 20 minutes anyway? I'm just worried about stressing him out x

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

They don't all like it, many torts hate being soaked, but I'm afraid it's a necessary evil and they have to put up with it, as do you.
He will get stressed a bit, but should get more used to it after a while..
The higher the sides the better so they can't see or climb out.

 

[Keith D.]

He always tries to get out, shall I just leave him in there for the 20 minutes anyway? I'm just worried about stressing him out x

Get yourself a high sided Rubbermaid tote that isn't see through and that should help keep him stress free.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

He always tries to get out, shall I just leave him in there for the 20 minutes anyway? I'm just worried about stressing him out x

Leave him there the 20 minutes. The climbing out helps to keep his innards working well. I'd go with a “real" temp reading of around 73°-79°f so you always know if something's changed or not. That's just me though.

 

[immiexxo]

Thank you!
One last thing (I think! Sorry!) Do I need to be washing his shell as such? Or soaking it?
Or is it okay just to let him soak for the whole time x

 

[immiexxo]

Get yourself a high sided Rubbermaid tote that isn't see through and that should help keep him stress free.

I have one I just never thought of using it. My common sense is minimal haha

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Oops. I also use the laundry room sink for soaks. Zero chance of climbing out of it and then easy to clean once the inevitable does happen.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Thank you!
One last thing (I think! Sorry!)

As for me you never need to apologize for questions. I'd just soak him each time and once a week give a nice “soft" tooth brush cleaning.

 

[Keith D.]

I have one I just never thought of using it. My common sense is minimal haha

Lol Immie your to much, I really do love having you here on TFO. You can gently brush his shell with a soft toothbrush if you like. My torts love it.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I wash the shell, just with my (clean) hands, to gently remove dust and grime.
Some use a soft toothbrush, but be careful of new growth that can be very sensitive.

 

[immiexxo]

As for me you never need to apologize for questions. I'd just soak him each time and once a week give a nice “soft" tooth brush cleaning.

Thank you very much for all your help.