Do Pet Tortoises Drink Water
Kleinmanniare provided with fresh water daily and often take advantage of it.
Do pet tortoises drink water. They can t swim like turtles can so make sure that your pet tortoises access to water is safe. A popular misconception among pet owners is the thought that since tortoises are able to survive harsh conditions the amount of water and the quality of water are not important factors to consider. A tortoise does drink water and needs a supply of clean fresh water on a daily basis for optimal health. Turtles swim but tortoises don t.
Why hydration matters in tortoises. A dehydrated tortoise will suffer from underweight sunken eyes kidney failure slackness of muscular tissue smelly oral discharge thickened whitish or reduced urine dry feces loss of appetite the surface of the skin is powdery and dry. Provide only shallow water no sharp objects and no small inedible objects which may be accidentally ingested. Once a tortoise is domesticated their needs and preferences change.
It was thought that tortoises do not drink but only take moisture from their food they do both. See provide water on page 15 of the adoption and care booklet. Whether big or small and no matter the species all tortoises need to drink water. Even true desert species such as testudo kleinmanni geochelone sulcataandgopherus agassizii will drink given the opportunity.
The fact that the tortoises cannot swim does not mean that they cannot drink water from a pool. Also for some tortoises trying to climb steps or other obstacles can result in them tipping onto their backs which is something that should be avoided. Our own exceedingly healthy breeding group oft. Water will always be a basic need for all living things.
It is believed that tortoise can take in water through a vent in the tail also. Owner can take this opportunity to clean their tortoise s shell using a surgical scrub and an old nail or tooth brush. While wild tortoises have adapted to regulate their water levels and go for extended periods of time without water it is not preferable nor should you replicate this with your pet. Fresh water should be provided to all tortoises on a regular basis.
Depriving your pet of drinking water can lead to a number of health challenges like articular gout solidified uric acid and kidney failure. Pet tortoises may drink at any time but particularly when it rains upon emerging from brumation hibernation and just prior to brumation.