Bathing

[yuna1971]

But can 'climbing in and out' be classed as using? If you dont see them actually drink from it then it could just mean walking through the dish and out again - which alot seem to like to do. I suppose it would be hard for anyone to definitely say their tort uses the dish for its primary purpose. Unless we were all camped by their enclosures 24/7, theres no real way to check.
Maybe sometimes its best to know they have soaked/drank by manualling doing it, as opposed to thinking or hoping they are and leaving it be ? xx

[cherylahutch]

Have sen him stand at the dish and not climb in but drink the water but like you say am not watching him all the time. He seemed happy enough bathing this morning but did not drink anything then either. Seems to be a subject that know one has the same answer for really hence the confusion. Have had a search on here and did not find a conclusive answer but will see how he goes with a morning bath and take him out if he does not like it. i suppose a 5 minute one is better than none at all if that's all he is happy doing.

[EJ]

If you've seen him drinking and you don't move the water dish around to different places in the enclosure he will most likely know where to find water. I don't think soaking would be necessary in that case.

You will not find a conclusive answer. The keeper pretty much dictates the method for whatever reason.

I believe that if the tortoise is obtaining its own hydration there is no rational nead for soaking.

There is nothing wrong with soaking if that is what you want to do. I don't think there is any benefit to the tortoise... if it is drinking without it.

Originally Posted by cherylahutch

Have sen him stand at the dish and not climb in but drink the water but like you say am not watching him all the time. He seemed happy enough bathing this morning but did not drink anything then either. Seems to be a subject that know one has the same answer for really hence the confusion. Have had a search on here and did not find a conclusive answer but will see how he goes with a morning bath and take him out if he does not like it. i suppose a 5 minute one is better than none at all if that's all he is happy doing.