Tortoises more often need to soak rather than take a full bath; these animals hydrate themselves by absorbing water through the body, so you should provide them with water at least once a week. Either way, you can still scrub your reptile friend a bit if he's particularly dirty.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Provide Water
Step 1. Fill a container with water
It should have low enough edges so that the tortoise can get in and out. Add lukewarm water, check that the animal can keep its head above the surface when it is soaking and that the level is more or less at the level of its chin.
Step 2. Let it get wet
This animal spends a lot of time in water because in this way it hydrates; it absorbs liquid through an opening under the tail, known as a cloaca.
Step 3. Wait for him to "drink" all the water he wants
It needs to soak for at least 20 minutes, but you can usually tell it's done when it tries to get out of the container.
Step 4. Remove the water
Once the reptile has absorbed the liquids it needed, you can take the container out of the terrarium; throw the water down the toilet to prevent the spread of germs.
You can also remove the tortoise from its enclosure and place it in a tub of water and then return it to its home at the end of the bath
Step 5. Dry it
Make sure it is free from moisture when placing it back in the terrarium by using a rag to dry it. Start from the carapace and gently scrub the water away; tamponate the head, the legs and every crevice.
Step 6. Give her a bath at least once a week
The amount of water it needs depends on the type of tortoise, the season and whether the animal lives outdoors or not. If you keep her indoors, you should provide her with a tub of water once a week, especially if the humidity is low. If it's very hot outside, you need two hydration sessions a week, you can let the contents of the tray evaporate between them.
- It is essential to give her water at the end of hibernation because she needs to hydrate.
- If the animal lives in the house and is hibernating, you need to prepare the tray about once a month.
Part 2 of 2: Scrub the Tortoise
Step 1. First let it soak
Give it all the time it needs to replenish its water reserves before scrubbing it; leave it in clean water for 20 minutes.
Tortoises need more than anything else to soak and not to "wash"; you shouldn't need to scrub them often
Step 2. Rub it gently
Use a clean old toothbrush to wash it. Start with the carapace, treating each crack; then passes to the legs and head. Do not apply too much pressure, especially on areas without scales.
Step 3. Rinse off the dirt
Use water to remove any residue you have brushed off; pour it gently on the animal to rinse it.
During the procedure, inspect the reptile for injuries, cuts, or carapace abnormalities. if you notice anything strange, you should take him to the vet for a checkup
Step 4. Dry the tortoise
Use a cloth to dab it, you don't have to put it back in the terrarium if it's still wet.
Step 5. Don't use soaps
Carapace cleaners and products are not suitable for tortoises; they can actually be very dangerous and even deadly, therefore limited to clean water alone.
