Russian Tortoise Hates Baths

[bumpythetortoise]

My Russian tortoise HATES bath time. He is 10 years old and I got him from a family who only bathed him once a week. I am trying to start soaking him more frequently, but he just buts his head against the container and tries to get out. I don't want to stress him out but I also don't want him to be dehydrated. How often should I be doing this? Is there anyway to get him to like this? Should I be concerned about his stress levels? Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

Most Russians do. (hate baths, I mean)

 

[Mitchie_and_Sunny_27]

My Russian tortoise HATES bath time. He is 10 years old and I got him from a family who only bathed him once a week. I am trying to start soaking him more frequently, but he just buts his head against the container and tries to get out. I don't want to stress him out but I also don't want him to be dehydrated. How often should I be doing this? Is there anyway to get him to like this? Should I be concerned about his stress levels? Thanks!

I also have a Russian tort that came from a family that never soaked him. Now that he lives with me, he gets daily soaks for at least 30 minutes. He used to HATE it and fight it too, just likes yours does, but now he doesn't mind them. He actually seems to enjoy them (not sure if he is an outlier since I've heard that RTs are not fans of bathtime). I think he got used to them and knows that they make him feel better (he even passed a stone that was probably there for a long time and he couldn't pass it previously because he didn't have good conditions). He likes the water nice and warm, sometimes I even catch him drinking it. It might just take some time for your tort to get used to it too. I've read on here that soaking 3-4 times a week minimum is good, but doing more doesn't hurt them and is good for them I got a white plastic from the dollar tree, not too big and I think it helps him feel less stressed. I used to soak him in a bigger tub, but I think the bigger tub was more stressful. Maybe you can also play around with the size of the tub? Best of luck!

 

[Tom]

My Russian tortoise HATES bath time. He is 10 years old and I got him from a family who only bathed him once a week. I am trying to start soaking him more frequently, but he just buts his head against the container and tries to get out. I don't want to stress him out but I also don't want him to be dehydrated. How often should I be doing this? Is there anyway to get him to like this? Should I be concerned about his stress levels? Thanks!

Almost every Russian I have had HATES the water at first. They act like I've dropped them into a vat of acid. All of them, every single one, got used to it in time, and then didn't care.

I've seen many Russians die from bladder stones. This happens because of dehydration and I believe small enclosures are a contributing factor. Many people see the reaction that you have seen and decide to not soak them because of it. Don't learn this lesson the hard way. Soak your tortoise. Spray the food with water too.

All tortoises get tired of being in the water and start to try to climb out. We call this the tortoise treadmill. It does no harm and it is actually some good stimulation and exercise in the boring life of a captive tortoise that always has plenty of food and water at the ready, prefect temperatures all the time and no predators to run from.

 

[SinLA]

Yeah i post Fezzik's baths on IG. Many Russian owners do. Its pretty adorable how consistently they hate it.

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[_The_Beast_]

My Russian yearling has been getting daily baths since arriving in January and is now about 50/50 on hating bath time. I have noticed that if the bath is done in the morning about an hour after the basking light turns on it tends to go over better than if it's later in the day. I go for a morning "start the day with a nice bath" approach while their tort-system is still booting up and try to keep the timing and routine consistent. Was one hour late yesterday and was treated to a complete rage fest Today I was on time and water was tolerated for 20 minutes before the treadmill started

 

[SinLA]

My Russian yearling has been getting daily baths since arriving in January and is now about 50/50 on hating bath time. I have noticed that if the bath is done in the morning about an hour after the basking light turns on it tends to go over better than if it's later in the day. I go for a morning "start the day with a nice bath" approach while their tort-system is still booting up and try to keep the timing and routine consistent. Was one hour late yesterday and was treated to a complete rage fest Today I was on time and water was tolerated for 20 minutes before the treadmill started

I have the same issue, but I attribute it t being too tired and cold still to be as violently cranky as he is in the afternoon.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello and welcome! Great info already! Definitely don’t worry about him being fussy, gets him moving which helps him poop lol, his soaks are important

I don’t suppose you’d mind sharing how you keep him? It’s nice to see with newer members!

Is he indoor or outdoor?
What sized enclosure does he have?
What are your temperatures like? Ie basking temp(directly under the bulb), overall day temps, night temps?
What lighting&heating are you using specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any!
How’s your humidity? What do you use for substrate?

A photo of your full set up would be great if you’re willing to share! Along with one of your tortoise

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I have been soaking my Russian at least every other day since June and he still hates it! But I know the stress from his bath time is a lot less worse than the problems that come with dehydration. He has has bladderstones due to his care in his previous homes and I want to avoid any complications at all costs.

 

[bumpythetortoise]

Yeah i post Fezzik's baths on IG. Many Russian owners do. Its pretty adorable how consistently they hate it.

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lol okay this makes me feel much better because it's exactly what mine does! how long do you soak him?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

lol okay this makes me feel much better because it's exactly what mine does! how long do you soak him?

Half hour/40 mins does the job

 

[bumpythetortoise]

My Russian tortoise HATES bath time. He is 10 years old and I got him from a family who only bathed him once a week. I am trying to start soaking him more frequently, but he just buts his head against the container and tries to get out. I don't want to stress him out but I also don't want him to be dehydrated. How often should I be doing this? Is there anyway to get him to like this? Should I be concerned about his stress levels? Thanks!

Thanks everyone! I bathed him today about an hour after his heat lamp turned on and he was so chill! He didn't start treadmilling until about 10 minutes in. New record! How long does everyone soak their tortoises each time? I am still new at this and want to do the best for my little guy.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thanks everyone! I bathed him today about an hour after his heat lamp turned on and he was so chill! He didn't start treadmilling until about 10 minutes in. New record! How long does everyone soak their tortoises each time? I am still new at this and want to do the best for my little guy.

We personally do half hour for our red foot 3times a weekonce/twice a week for half hr is enough for your guy