Tortoise care: Is weekly soaking safe? What about food and waste?

If he won't soak on his own, you can give him a soak once or twice a week. Use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soak for at least 30 minutes. It is normal for the to defecate during the soak, if this happens, change the water. Submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure as low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles.

He may have been hibernating/brumating. Continue with the daily soaks in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Get him eating if he isn't already. If the behavior persists, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness.

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. You can soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes once orb twice a week. This will provide warmth and hydration. Offer a variety of dark, leafy greens, chopped vegetables and commercial pellets. She will also need UVB lighting, a powdered multivitamin and a powdered calcium supplement. Set up a heat lamp to provide a basking area on one side of the tank. There should be an appropriate temperature gradient across the tank so she can move from warm to cool as she needs. If you can provide the species of tortoise, more specific advice can be provided.

It would be more practical to provide regular baths or soaks in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Adequate hydration, UVB lighting, a balanced diet and vitamin/mineral supplementation will all promote shell health as well as overall health.

A small bit of food likely won't cause any issues, just don't offer any more food for the next two weeks. Monitor for defecation so you know he's digested and passed any food. Make sure Flash remains well hydrated. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles prior to brumation would be recommended to confirm Flash is healthy enough for his "nap". Once he begins brumating, monitor him monthly for weight loss (>1% body weight), nasal discharge or urination. If you notice any of these issues or if he is too active in his burrow or box, consider having him examined and brought out of brumation.

Continue to treat as indicated by your veterinarian. Offer a varied diet rich in Vitamin A. Broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, dandelion greens and collard greens are just a few foods rich in this vitamin. Confirm proper temperature. A cold tortoise will not eat. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and may treat or prevent mild dehydration.

A star tortoise will readily drink standing water. Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water. Clean and refill the bowl daily. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure. Star tortoises do best in temps between 80 F and 90 F with a basking area of 95 F. Temperature plays an important role in appetite and activity. If he doesn't drink, you can soak him once or twice weekly in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soaks can last between 15-30 minutes. Star tortoises require a high fiber diet that is rich in calcium. Feed a varied diet including grasses, vegetables and greens for optimal growth. Grasses that can be fed include, fescue, blue grass, mature alfalfa or Bermuda grass. Vegetables offered can be pumpkin, squash, peas, mushroom or bell peppers. Greens include collard/turnip/mustard greens, dandelions, escarole and grape leaves. The above foods make up a partial list of acceptable items. It is by no means all inclusive. If your tortoise does not begin drinking on his own, consider an exam with an experienced herp veterinarian.