Help!!! Soaking Leo's

[HappyTortoise]

I need help. The previous owner of my tortoise never soaked or misted her. She was kept in a very dry environment. I dont want to give her a heart attack but I want to start soaking her. Please give me some tips? She is about 4 inches long and 2.5-3 yr according to her previous owner. I want to get her happy and healthy.

Please help me make her happy. Camilla need to get a soak. Please tell me the best practices.

Thanks

 

[Fernando]

I don't think there will be a problem unless you just splash water on her. She might try to get out.

but if you want to play it safe.

start low filling the water (warm) slowly little by little with a cup or something so that she doesn't see a wave of water coming

 

[dmmj]

I am not a proponent of forced soaking, even for hatch lings have you tried allowing her access to a water bowl and see if she will soak and drink on her own?

 

[DesertGrandma]

I need help. The previous owner of my tortoise never soaked or misted her. She was kept in a very dry environment. I dont want to give her a heart attack but I want to start soaking her. Please give me some tips? She is about 4 inches long and 2.5-3 yr according to her previous owner. I want to get her happy and healthy.

Please help me make her happy. Camilla need to get a soak. Please tell me the best practices.

Thanks

I have read through posts on this subject. There are varying opinions by forum members on this question. I would also be interested in the responses from others as to why they believe what they do, and if the age of the leo makes a difference.

 

[ascott]

I have one tortoise that would soak all day if he could...but the other three have to be on their own terms (usually by the sprinkler--water, puddle, dig a little then drink) so I leave a shallow dish in their yards and supply water each day in addition to the sprinkler (every other day--sometimes a couple times a day depending on the heat )

I have one of my guys who totally freaks out (like he thinks he is being drowned or something) if I try to soak him, so I don't want to cause him undue stress so I don't force him

 

[Laura]

since it came from a place that never gave access to water.. Id start with anice warm shallow soak,, maybe do that for a few days, then see if the tort goes to the water itself.

 

[Neal]

Nothing much to add other than what has been said. What I would do if I were you is soak the tortoise at least once a day for about ten minutes. That's what I do with my young leopard tortoises and it works out really good.