Maybe he was afraid he was going to go down the drain SOOOO just funning you....it does take some time to get a tort use to soaking and once they realize it is good they seem to enjoy it...although some torts just won't have any part of it....sillies...Cute tort by the way...
I've been soaking tortoises of all species since 1986. I have had many that didn't seem to "like" it at first. They have ALL desensitized and calmed down about it eventually.
Thanks! He's too cute I never realized how much personality a tortoise could have! He was just so relaxed it was amazing to have my hard work pay off and not feel like I'm torturing him with soaks!
yeah, ive gotten a couple people who were only into keeping snakes, into keeping tortoises and they love it, they are amazed at how smart they really are. when they chill out in the soaks, its nice because its not stressing us out anymore either, you know? haha
Glad to see he finally over came the stress of it. I used to soak mine, but then realized it was a bit cruel and totally not warranted or needed. All my tortoises and I are so much happier and stress free these days.
If they're in the house under lights, essentially on 'slow cook', I soak them. If they are outside, I assume they will drink on their own, and I provide waterers with fresh water daily.
Early on I discovered that my grown Russian tortoises were uncomfortable when put into soaking water, so I quit soaking the grown tortoises. They have a drinker in their pen and I just assume/hope they hydrate on their own.
He just seems so much happier recently it's amazing eats like a piggy loves to be hand fed not trying to "escape " by clawing at his enclosure it's like he's a different tortoise