Do soaks need to be supervised?

BatFace · Nov 28, 2018

We have a baby sucata, doing real well. I used to put his tub for soaking in the sink and id check on him every few mins as I did my chores. It's too cold now to soak him anywhere but under his lamp in his table. It's slightly harder to check on him as often. The turtle table is at my mom's house and I'm only there for a few hours and have to do the cleaning and cooking and animal care.

I'm pretty sure his tub is safe, he's never flipped over in it. Is it safe for me to set him in his soak and set a timer and do my chores? Or do I need to sit in his room and watch him to make sure he's safe?

ZEROPILOT · Nov 28, 2018

Is it tall enough that climbing out is not possible?

BatFace · Nov 28, 2018

ZEROPILOT said:
Is it tall enough that climbing out is not possible?

For sure

Ben02 · Nov 28, 2018

I always keep an eye on mine as they scrabble to get out and they sometimes tip on there backs.

drew54 · Nov 28, 2018

You just wnt to make sure the tort is safe from climbing out, water stays warm, and it doesn't flip on its shell.

no one · Nov 29, 2018

I do watch mine. Guess it is also what one is comfortable with. And for me it is also a highlight of my day. I don't rest easily, but I do when I watch my Torts. Bounding time if you will...

jsheffield · Nov 29, 2018

The tub I soak the wee baby Darwin in is safe and secure for him, as he's never tipped, so I could do other stuff during his soak and the attendant meal, but I don't.

I use the time: initially to clean and inspect him, then to watch him explore the tub and eat (to insure he moves and swallows ok), then to spray him down a few times (I use a 60cc hypodermic without a needle), next I do partial water switches to keep it warm for the 30 minutes, all the while keeping an appraising eye on (and disposing of) his poops (normally 2, firm, dark green or grey).

Darwin and I watch TV in a room I've warmed for his bathtime, and talk about work and news and what we're reading.

Once a week or so I'll rub a bit of my homemade turtle pomade into his carapace, top and bottom, which gives me an even better chance to inspect his shell for growth and problems.

Jamie

Tom · Nov 29, 2018

I raise dozens of babies every year. If I had to sit and watch all of them soak everyday, I'd never get anything done. They are fine. The water should be shallow enough that if they do flip, they won't drown. I come back and find one upside down ever so often. No harm done.

JoesMum · Nov 29, 2018

Only the one to soak, but I get on with other stuff until the clattering and banging indicated he had enough

pirata alma negra · Nov 29, 2018

jsheffield said:
The tub I soak the wee baby Darwin in is safe and secure for him, as he's never tipped, so I could do other stuff during his soak and the attendant meal, but I don't.

what's this brown thing he's eating with satisfaction?

jsheffield · Nov 29, 2018

pirata alma negra said:
what's this brown thing he's eating with satisfaction?

Could be a silkworm pupae or a nugget of rehydrated Mazuri.

Jamie

pirata alma negra · Nov 29, 2018

jsheffield said:
silkworm pupae

wow, very interesting, thx

jsheffield · Nov 29, 2018

I got a mix of freeze dried tortoise food that includes fruit and veg and some insects ... Darwin loves it!

Jamie

g4mobile · Nov 29, 2018

jsheffield said:
The tub I soak the wee baby Darwin in is safe and secure for him, as he's never tipped, so I could do other stuff during his soak and the attendant meal, but I don't.

View attachment 258423

I use the time: initially to clean and inspect him, then to watch him explore the tub and eat (to insure he moves and swallows ok), then to spray him down a few times (I use a 60cc hypodermic without a needle), next I do partial water switches to keep it warm for the 30 minutes, all the while keeping an appraising eye on (and disposing of) his poops (normally 2, firm, dark green or grey).

Darwin and I watch TV in a room I've warmed for his bathtime, and talk about work and news and what we're reading.

View attachment 258424

Once a week or so I'll rub a bit of my homemade turtle pomade into his carapace, top and bottom, which gives me an even better chance to inspect his shell for growth and problems.

Jamie

How can I get some of your Tortoise Pomade?

jsheffield · Nov 29, 2018

g4mobile said:
How can I get some of your Tortoise Pomade?

I started a thread on it a few days ago:

Not quite Turtle Wax, looking for barter ....
https://tortoiseforum.org/index.php?posts/1685311/

I'd love to send you a tin to share with your tort in exchange for something tortoise-y that I could share with Darwin.

Jamie

Do soaks need to be supervised?

BatFace

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ZEROPILOT

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