TORTOISES AND WATER SOUND-CURIOUS

[wellington]

I have two outside areas for Tatum. One, that he doesn't get to stay in all day has a koi pond in it. When ever i put him in that enclosure, he is always attracted to the end with the pond. The water flow from the filter makes a splashing noise into the pond. Is that what he is attracted to, the sound? The other end is heavily planted with all kinds of stuff to eat, which he will graze in, but always wants to get past the barrier and closer to the pond. Any thoughts? BTW, he can't get into the pond, so no worries.

 

[Jacqui]

I would bet it is the sound. Seems all animals (including humans) are attracted to the sound of splashing water. I assume it's a survival thing at it's most basic. Water means life. Have you ever turned off the pump just before bringing him outside, to see if his behavior is different?

 

[Edna]

Does he like water running over his head?
My torts all prefer to drink water that is pouring down on them over water that is in a dish. My two wild-caught Hermanns have never been observed drinking from a dish. When I set up my new indoor, a dripper of some sort is part of the plan.

 

[wellington]

I would bet it is the sound. Seems all animals (including humans) are attracted to the sound of splashing water. I assume it's a survival thing at it's most basic. Water means life. Have you ever turned off the pump just before bringing him outside, to see if his behavior is different?

No I never have. I will have to try that.

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Does he like water running over his head?
My torts all prefer to drink water that is pouring down on them over water that is in a dish. My two wild-caught Hermanns have never been observed drinking from a dish. When I set up my new indoor, a dripper of some sort is part of the plan.

He doesn't mind it at all. He doesn't try to drink it that way, but he doesn't mind it either.