This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
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Tortoises need soaking more often than they need full-on baths. In fact, tortoises rehydrate themselves through a soaking, so it's good to provide water for one at least once a week. Nonetheless, you can also scrub your tortoise if he's particularly dirty.
Things You Should Know
- Let your tortoise soak in water for about 20 minutes once a week.
- Scrub your tortoise gently with a toothbrush to clean their shell.
- Rinse your tortoise well and pat them dry before taking them out of the bath.
- Avoid using soaps or detergents, since these can harm your tortoise.
Steps
Soaking
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1Fill a shallow container with water. The container should be small enough on the sides that your tortoise should be able to climb out of it. Add lukewarm water to it. Make sure the tortoise's head pokes above the water when he's in it, but it should be about chin deep.[1]
- You can also place one end of the tub on a book to create a slight angle, making a shallow end and a deep end. Place the tortoise's head at the shallow end.
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2Let the tortoise soak. The tortoise will spend time in the water, using it to rehydrate his body. Tortoises use water to rehydrate their bodies. They absorb it through a vent in the tail know as the cloaca.[2]Advertisement
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3Wait for the tortoise to rehydrate. The tortoise needs to soak for at least 20 minutes, but he will generally let you know when he's done by trying to climb out.[3]
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4Take the water out. Once the tortoise has soaked, you can take the water out. Discard the water in the toilet to avoid spreading any germs.[4]
- You can also take the tortoise from his cage to put him in a basin and simply take him out when he's done.
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5Dry the tortoise off.[5] Make sure the tortoise is dry when he goes back to his cage. Use a towel to gently sponge him off. Start with the shell, gently rubbing the water off. Also, pat off the head, arms, and legs, being sure to get in all the cracks.
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6Give the bath at least once a week. How much water you need to provide depends on the type of tortoise, the time of year, and whether he's inside or outside. Inside, you may need to do it as often as once a week, especially if the humidity is low.[6] Outside in the heat, the tortoise will need it twice a week, and you can let the water dry up in between.[7]
Scrubbing
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1Let the tortoise soak first. Allow the tortoise time to fill up its water reserves before you try to scrub it. Give it a 20-minute soak in clean water.[10]
- Tortoises need soaking more often than they need baths. You shouldn't need to actually scrub your tortoise very often.
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2Scrub the tortoise gently. Next, use an old, clean toothbrush to scrub the tortoise all over. Start with the shell, being sure to get in all the cracks. Move on to the legs, arms, and head. Be sure not to scrub too hard, especially on the places without scales.[11]
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3Wash away the dirt. Use the water to wash off the dirt you've scrubbed clean. Gently pour it over the tortoise to get the grime off.
- While you're washing, make sure to look for any injuries, nicks, or an unhealthy shell. If you notice any abnormalities, it may be time to take your pet to the vet for a check up.[12]
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4Dry the tortoise off.[13] Use a towel to pat the tortoise dry. You don't want him to be wet when he goes back to his enclosure.
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5Don't use soap. Soaps, detergents, and shell cleaners are not good for tortoises. In fact, they can be harmful, even killing your pet. Stick with plain water to clean your tortoise.[14]
References
- ↑ http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm
- ↑ https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_tortcare.php
- ↑ http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm
- ↑ http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm
- ↑ http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/bath.html
- ↑ http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm
- ↑ https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_tortcare.php
- ↑ http://www.tortoise.org/general/descare.html
- ↑ https://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/tap_tortcare.php
About This Article
To bathe a tortoise, start by filling a shallow container with enough lukewarm water to reach your tortoise's chin. Then, place your tortoise in the water and let it soak for 20 minutes to rehydrate its body. After 20 minutes, gently scrub your tortoise with an old, clean toothbrush, getting its shell, legs, arms, and head. When you're finished scrubbing, rinse off your tortoise with water and dry it with a towel. Repeat this process at least once a week. To learn what products you should avoid when bathing your tortoise, scroll down!
