Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my redfoot's usual drinking routine is to really tank up on a lot of water maybe once a day. the past week or so, though, she's drinking very little, if anything. i'm thinking that this might be because i bought her some cactus and she's been enjoying it.

so should i be concerned? could it be that she is getting enough water from the cactus and that's why she's just not thirsty? what are the signs of a dehydrated tortoise?

thanks in advance for reading the post of a worried "tort mom"...

Hey, not sure if the cactus is the culprit. When I've gotten tortoises that we shipped in, I put them in warm water. They almost always will drink and then deficate. If you handle your tortoise alot you can feel it getting lighter. If it's really bad. Also the eyes will get dull and recede.Hope it's just got a full tank of water. Good luck.
Charlie

thanks for the reply... i've had her for 6 years now and though she's turned water down from time to time, not for several days in a row before. she's had a good long soak, though, and i keep "showing" her to the water to try to "remind" her... but you know that saying about how you can lead a horse to water...

she's not lightweight or "off" in any way. i guess if it continues i'll ask the vet what he thinks.

Sence its winter and outside is not an option, put the tortoise in something that holds water it can fit in and put the tub,"in the tub". The "bathroom" tub or shower. Then let the shower fill the "container its in. They react to rain or sprinklers outside but this works inside. They need to here and feel the water on their shell. Make it warm, and do it in a calm fashion so it wont be struggling against the ordeal. Just ease it in from a sleep or calm moment. The last part makes a big difference. If to much excitment try again later. Vic

well, last night last thing, she dunked her head and tanked up like she usually does. maybe it was just a phase... but i'll try the shower technique if she does it again!