Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, we all seem to agree that soaking is beneficial if not necessary espicially in dry winter months. I have been soaking my torts for years and swear by it, but it just occured to me, I don't really know why it works...

I figure there are two reasons:

1. Putting the animal in warm water creates a desireable enviornment in which the animal drinks the water, thus helping with hydration.

2. The tort absorbs water into the skin, thus helping with hydration.

I guess it could be a combination of both also, any thoughts or theorys....

-Ian

Soaking is a big part of my regular tortoise routine, especially in the winter. I have a soaking station which is a wheeled cart with a few shelves. Each tortoise group has its own soaking tray to avoid cross contamination. Every other day, I soak the young torts and once a week I soak the adults in warm water for 10-15min.

I also provide shallow water trays in there inclosure but also see benefits in forced soaking.

jbly

I find throwing my tort's in the tub for a shower when I'm cleaning the cages. The humidity is about 100%, they can choose if they are in the spray or not, and of course a stream of water is always at their feet. I'm not sure how'd they do without it but I do know that they enjoy it

i give my russian a baby warm bath once a week in the winter after which he likes to sit on the heat register to blow dry in the warm air.

winters here in idaho are very dry from the combination of being in the high desert and then further drying the air by turning on the furnace. in the summer i flood the strawberry patch and let him go for it.

I know it is beneficial if not essential, I have soaked my torts for years now, but why is the question, why is it so beneficial? Any thoughts????

-Ian

What is the basis of life?
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

...da best animal for this demo gotta be that Radiata...the moment water hit their carapace, their legs inflated like exploding suspensions transforming a low rider-into BigfootMama within seconds...(if you get da picture...)

...da rest of yer soaking iz zzzzzzzzzzzzzz....although like Jibbly said: with force soaking...you get MORE...MUCH MORE...(p**ps that is...)

They actually have video footage of what Ecoman is talking about with Radiata standing up when water hits there shells. They even do a little dance by swaying side to side.

To see the show, go to
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/WCT_Video.htm
Select, the "G. radiata Rain Dance" one.

I've also seen rain trigger mating in testudo.

Water is such an important aspect of life. It just seems to encourage health and activity in all organisms.

jbly

So, it seems to be a combination of absorbtion through the skin and probably some drinking that helps prevent dehydration. Interesting. I have always soaked my torts, and have never had a problem with dehydration, was just curious to see why everyone else thinks it works....

-Ian

...YEEEPEEE!!! (said da lil' RES...)