Water

[Ilovetorts123]

Had my Russian 1 week and has never drunk, why?how will this affect him?

 

[jjsull33]

He may be drinking when you aren't around, I always keep water in my russian enclosures as well as give them a 20-30 min soak once a week just to be sure. I have never seen my oldest male russian drink from water in his enclosure but I know he drinks every time I soak him. Just keep the water there and he will use it when he wants.

What kind of water dish does he have? The ones sold by pet stores are often too steep and they will choose not to use it as often, I suggest (as well as most people here) a terracotta saucer, the kind you put under a potted plant, they are only like 2-3 dollars at home depot and are perfect water dishes.

 

[wellington]

That is the reason we do soak them. That way we know they are being kept hydrated. Are you soaking? If not, do one now. Warm water for 30 minutes, keeping the water warm.

 

[Jacqui]

How old is he?

 

[GBtortoises]

Russian tortoises in general are not big drinkers. While soaking is an option, but tortoises are smart enough to drink on their own when they need to as long as they have an easily accessible water source available at all time. Many tortoises do not take well to being placed in a container of water. Russian tortoises in particular are a species that are not fans of being placed in water. While a few are fine with it, the majority will often immediately attempt to climb out. If yours is one that is okay with being placed in water, good. If it is not, panics and immediately begins trying to escape the water forcing it to stay in the water for long periods or continually placing the tortoise in water over and over can be stressful to the animal and then becomes counter productive.
Tortoises know they need water to survive, they know when they need water and they're smart enough to find it as long as they have it available.

 

[Jacqui]

Russian tortoises in general are not big drinkers. While soaking is an option, but tortoises are smart enough to drink on their own when they need to as long as they have an easily accessible water source available at all time. Many tortoises do not take well to being placed in a container of water. Russian tortoises in particular are a species that are not fans of being placed in water. While a few are fine with it, the majority will often immediately attempt to climb out. If yours is one that is okay with being placed in water, good. If it is not, panics and immediately begins trying to escape the water forcing it to stay in the water for long periods or continually placing the tortoise in water over and over can be stressful to the animal and then becomes counter productive.
Tortoises know they need water to survive, they know when they need water and they're smart enough to find it as long as they have it available.

Well said!

 

[Ilovetorts123]

He's three and no I haven't soaked him yet because he still seems unsettled, I am going to soak him as soon as he's ready but I don't want to spook him too much
I know he doesn't drink when I'm there because there is the same amount of water that I put in
Thank you for all the help guys