humidity and bathing

Cynthia Whitehead

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My two Hermanns aboth males absolutely hate their soakings. Both are about 3 years old. One absolutely
hate it and the other tolerates it. Also on humidity, They hid every time I tried to use an automatic humidity unit so I got rid of that thing.
Is this normal for Hermanns to hate water and humidity?
 

wellington

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Some tortoises dont like soaks. That's just too bad for them. Keep doing them. As for humidity, it's likely more the unit you were using. We don't really recommend them. A closed chamber for hatchlings to about 3 years is recommended and then a humid hide while also keep a damp substrate.
 

Tom

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My two Hermanns aboth males absolutely hate their soakings. Both are about 3 years old. One absolutely
hate it and the other tolerates it. Also on humidity, They hid every time I tried to use an automatic humidity unit so I got rid of that thing.
Is this normal for Hermanns to hate water and humidity?
If they aren't soaked frequently as babies, some tortoises take time to get used to it as adults. I've had Russians that acted like they were dropped into acid when I gently placed them in a tub with one inch of warm water. They reacted so crazy that I triple checked the water temp and had a second person come verify that it wasn't boiling. Within two or three months, the absolute worst of them calmed down and tolerated their soaks just fine.

Humidifiers should be used in tortoise enclosure. They shouldn't be breathing water droplets. The way to increase humidity is to decrease ventilation. As Barb said, use a closed chamber, or at least cover the top of the enclosure.
 

Cynthia Whitehead

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Ive had for 1.5 years and bath 1 to 2 times a week since I've had.. bought from a pet store so they probably never were bathed.. Used humidifier inside with closed top
Not breathing water droplets. I think it was the sound. Unsure but the certainly didn't like it. I now just use a spray bottle multiple times daily.
 

Lyn W

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My tort varies between being really chilled in a good, long soak to fighting to get out within minutes as if he has better thing to do. I think you just have to persevere.

Do you keep them together or in their own spaces?
 
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