tortoise water dish

[Darwin_T]

hi. i am in need of a water dish for my nine month old greek that can stay in his enclosure. I have a large one but that will take up too much space so i use it for soaks. I have heard of using plant pot trays that are clay or ceramic but i don't have any that are of optimal size. So, could i have some ideas for other things? any replies would be great.
Thanks

 

[wellington]

Anything that will hold water really will work. Just make sure it has low enough sides for him to get in and out easily. I would also not use something too slippery. Maybe a pie plate with a couple rocks in it for pushing off of to help him get out. A plastic container, you can cut down the sides. They also have the plant saucers in every size you could want.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I'm shocked you can't find the terra cotta saucers in the size you need. I've seen them from the small size of a quarter on up. I have one that is roughly a 2" diameter. I used it for a hatchlings food dish.

Like Wellington said, anything low sided with traction will work.

 

[Jacqui]

With the plant saucers, you may need to check different places to find the size you need. Not just places like WalMart, Lowes/Menards/Home Depot, but actual garden centers and plant stores. Perhaps some sort of plate or saucer might work. Could check what used stores/Salvation Army have in their dishware sections. A lid off of a jar or plastic container?

 

[Tom]

My Lowes has them in increments from 2" to 16". I use the 4" ones for hatchling sulcatas of 35-40 grams. I also used the 4" ones for my 22 gram russian hatchlings. I would think this would be a fine size for a 9 month old Greek. You might need the 6" saucer depending on his current size. How many grams is your tortoise?

Perhaps another way to look at is: What size is your enclosure? Perhaps its time for something bigger.

 

[Saleama]

Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Caloways (might be Texas only but any plant nursery really).... I have seen these from an inch to 24 inches and anywhere from $0.25 to $19.99. They come glazed and unglazed. I prefer the unglazed because they can grip it better and it files their claws and beaks. My Leos always bite on the side of theirs. You can also do a search on you tube on how to make a tortoise water dish. Guy does it with cement and they are really awesome and practicle once they are made! Good luck!

 

[smylemaker]

I bought a large water dish with a ramp for my Tort, and it is very large, to big for enclosure, ( I think when I bought him the sales clerk just wanted to make a sale, plus maybe didnt realize that I would be soaking and spoiling him like I do) , so I too am looking for a better dish (like you mentioned) I soak tort regularly in a separate soaking basin, but a water dish in enclosure would be for drinking only... I did see at walmart a few terra cotta dishes that sound perfect.. good luck finding the perfect water dish ...

 

[Jacqui]

I bought a large water dish with a ramp for my Tort, and it is very large, to big for enclosure, ( I think when I bought him the sales clerk just wanted to make a sale, plus maybe didnt realize that I would be soaking and spoiling him like I do) ,

I know some folks have nothing good to say about that style of water dish, but if you have the room, the right age/size of tortoise, and set them up right, they can be wonderful. Too pricey for me, but I do have the one.

I just think for a small to medium tortoise, nothing beats the terra cotta plant water saucers.

 

[smylemaker]

plus I believe someone said the terra cotta dishes help with nails ? I need to get one soon

 

[FeZZek]

If you have the room...my 8 redfoots love their 5 gallon paint lids! Easy to clean, nice and cheap

 

[edwardbo]

hello, try looking at take out containers ,thai food some times comes in low black containers with a transparent top that works well.the edges are smooth but ridged allowing traction,right now my red and yellow foot are useing a beautiful blue frisbee ,they love it. and my black mointains / grandis are using the container from swiffer sweepers . get creative.