Soaks

Gillian M · Feb 1, 2021

Hi. I usually give Oli a warm, daily soak, in Winter and Summer alike.

Recently, it has been terribly cold here. It even snowed. I got chillblains, which are extremely painful, so painful that I have not been able to give poor Oli a soak for the past four days or so. The issue is worrying me a lot. I do not want him to get dehydrated, God forbid.

Anyone's help would be highly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Yossarian · Feb 1, 2021

How old is Oli? an adult tortoise does not require daily soaking like a baby does.

Gillian M · Feb 1, 2021

Yossarian said:
How old is Oli? an adult tortoise does not require daily soaking like a baby does.

Well, I do not know how old he his, but I have had him for about 10 years and he was not a baby then.

Yes, he seems to like it even in Winter as it's nice and warm inside.

Many thanks your prompt reply. Appreciate it.

Gillian M · Feb 3, 2021

I posted the above thread as far as soaks are concerned. However, only @Yossarian answered, telling me that Oli does not require a daily soak if he is an adult. Thank you @Yossarian .

Does anyone have any suggestions? Your help would be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

harrythetortoise · Feb 3, 2021

Hi Gillian,

If the tortoise is 10+ years old, daily soaks are not needed as they are not at a risk of dehydration like babies are. The bigger the body mass, the better capability of the tortoise to hold water in their system. So I think you're fine!

solidsounds17 · Feb 3, 2021

I think for adult, soaking should be like once or twice every week?

Sarah2020 · Feb 3, 2021

Soaks are good practice as it encourages waste out and water intake. I think it is also nice to have time with them while looking after them in shallow water as well as a good opportunity to check them over. Agree older they are less soaks but do not stop all together. Particularly as your summer temps are high. Hydration is vital. We have seen dehydrated tortoise on here and thats something you want to avoid.

Gillian M · Feb 4, 2021

harrythetortoise said:
Hi Gillian,

If the tortoise is 10+ years old, daily soaks are not needed as they are not at a risk of dehydration like babies are. The bigger the body mass, the better capability of the tortoise to hold water in their system. So I think you're fine!

Hi @harrythetortoise and many thanks your reply as well as your help.

Dehydration tends to keep me worried due to the fact that I live in Jordan, the climate of which is terribly dry.

Gillian M · Feb 4, 2021

solidsounds17 said:
I think for adult, soaking should be like once or twice every week?

Hi @solidsounds17 and thanks a lot your response. Would that be enough in a very dry place like Jordan?

harrythetortoise · Feb 4, 2021

Gillian M said:
Hi @harrythetortoise and many thanks your reply as well as your help.

Dehydration tends to keep me worried due to the fact that I live in Jordan, the climate of which is terribly dry.

I understand. I would keep the enclosure humid by regular misting, make sure to have a water dish he can drink/get into, and do as many soaking per week as you can once your health is better!

ZEROPILOT · Feb 4, 2021

Gillian, Oli is not a tropical tortoise and he is an adult. He doesn't need high humidity and has millions of years of evolution dealing with the change in temperature.
If he is eating, drinking and pooping ok. Don't stress yourself out about the frequency of the soaks. Soak when you can.
You've had him for a long time.
You're obviously doing things pretty well.
Drinking water will keep him hydrated.
Keep him warm and wait out the cold spell.

Lyn W · Feb 4, 2021

HI Gillian good to see you here.
I think Oli will be fine but if you are worried you could always soak his food before feeding and give the wet leaves to him to make sure he is having some hydration from those.
I hope your chilblains heal soon.

Gillian M · Feb 5, 2021

harrythetortoise said:
I understand. I would keep the enclosure humid by regular misting, make sure to have a water dish he can drink/get into, and do as many soaking per week as you can once your health is better!

Alright @harrythetortoise and many thanks your help. Appreciate it.

Gillian M · Feb 5, 2021

Lyn W said:
HI Gillian good to see you here.
I think Oli will be fine but if you are worried you could always soak his food before feeding and give the wet leaves to him to make sure he is having some hydration from those.
I hope your chilblains heal soon.

Hi Lyn, great to hear from you and hope you and Lola are well.

Many thanks your help I appreciate.

Yossarian · Feb 5, 2021

ZEROPILOT said:
Gillian, Oli is not a tropical tortoise and he is an adult. He doesn't need high humidity and has millions of years of evolution dealing with the change in temperature.
If he is eating, drinking and pooping ok. Don't stress yourself out about the frequency of the soaks. Soak when you can.
You've had him for a long time.
You're obviously doing things pretty well.
Drinking water will keep him hydrated.
Keep him warm and wait out the cold spell.

And, there are greek torts native to Jordan I believe, so the climate must be reasonably suitable.

ZEROPILOT · Feb 5, 2021

Yossarian said:
And, there are greek torts native to Jordan I believe, so the climate must be reasonably suitable.

Yes
No need to fret (much)

Soaks

Gillian M

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Yossarian

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Gillian M

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Gillian M

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harrythetortoise

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solidsounds17

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Sarah2020

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Gillian M

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Gillian M

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harrythetortoise

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ZEROPILOT

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Lyn W

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Gillian M

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Gillian M

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Yossarian

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ZEROPILOT

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