Soaking

[Robert Davis]

Im TOTALLY new to tortoises and just got my very first one last Monday. She is a well started Giant Leopard. I know your suppose to soak them daily but exactly how deep should the water be? I read 3/8 but all tortoises are different sizes. Should the water be just deep enough to cover the bottom part of the shell or less? Thanks for all your help in advance!!!

 

[wellington]

Yes, so it comes up to where the top and lower shell meet at least. I usually do more.

 

[Robert Davis]

Ok, I really appreciate it. I'm a snake guy. I know proper snake care but nothing about Tortoises

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I have Redfoot.
Mine jump right into the ponds and swim if given the chance.
They don't seem concerned about water level and most folks aren't aware that tortoises can swim.

 

[Yvonne G]

How big is your "giant" leopard? An adult tortoise probably won't need soaking if you provide a waterer he can climb in and out of. If it's a baby, I put all my babies in the warm water tub as soon as I get up in the a.m. then I prepare their food and place it on the feeding tile. After they've soaked for about 15 minutes I place them around the food and step quickly out of their sight. You don't want your baby to have to strain to keep his head out of the water.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum!

Please read the "Beginners Mistakes" Thread and the care sheet. Do not hesitate to ask any question when in need of help.

Any pics of your tort and his/her enclosure would enable us to give you advise more easily.

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome.

I usually go about half way up the shell for soaking water.

Here is the current care info:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

This one says "sulcata" but I feed my South African leopards identically to my sulcatas:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/