- Joined
- Apr 30, 2012
- Messages
- 14
I have not really been given that much advice about my Hermanns tortoise.
Should I soak him regularly, if so what is the best way to do this?
Should I soak him regularly, if so what is the best way to do this?
Anakins Mum said:Thank you thats really helpful. He does have clean water every day but I have never seen him actually drink so I was a bit worried.
JoesMum said:If your tort is not weeing and pooping daily, or there is a lot of urate (the white stuff) or the urate is gritty rather than smooth, then your tort is becoming dehydrated and should be bathed daily.
In an indoor environment, it is easy to keep them too dry and a daily soak does no harm.
Some torts love baths, some hate them. The anti-brigade can usually be encouraged to relax and enjoy. Establishing a routine where the same things happen at the same time each day helps to reduce stress.
I suggest the morning goes something like: lights on, heat on, soak, feed...
My soaking tips are:
1. Soak first thing before your tort has warmed up properly to reduce escape attempts.
2. Use a high sided bowl or box so your tort can't see out
3. Use enough warm (not hot) water to just come over your tort's plastron (undershell). Get the temperature right and your not-warmed-up tort is more likely to lounge and absorb the heat.
4. Soak for a good 20 minutes. Don't worry if you don't see him drink; torts can absorb water through the skin. The length of soak is important.
5. Your tort may wee and/or poop in the water - it's more likely to concern you than him. You can change the water if it's truly disgusting. Don't worry if your tort eats his poop; it's said to improve gut flora!
6. Feed straight after the soak. Joe is always hungriest straight after his.
Hope2hope said:You should keep him in the bath until he wants to come out.