Does my tortoise need a bath? Your local Maidstone Pet Sitter investigates.
And yes we know that’s a question we bet you never thought you would hear.
We have a real love for exotic pets at Poppy and Pals and have taken the effort to learn as much as possible about many species care but even we don’t know it all. So imagine our interest when we recently discovered that tortoises don’t just need a bath they downright love them.
What do I need?
All you need to successfully bath a tortoise is… a sense of humour as it is a very odd use of your spare time unless you are a die-hard chelonian (that’s posh for tortoise) fan a soft toothbrush something big enough to accommodate the tortoise and enough tepid water to cover up to his belly and a little way up his shell.
What do I do?
Firstly, leave your friend to rehydrate for at least 15 minutes. It is likely he will void his water storage and start fresh with the bath water so remember never place any chemicals or soaps in the bath; he doesn’t need bubbles like us! Once he has had his relax time it is on to the fun part. Refill the water and take your toothbrush, now gently brush away at his shell. Take care around his head, legs and bottom this isn’t a scrubbing exercise. You want to aim more for a gentle exfoliating session. While giving him his spa experience be mindful to check for damage or any sign of ill health, don’t let on to him if you find anything though as an embarrassed tortoise is a grumpy tortoise. Pop him in his carrier and take him for a quick MOT at the vet, if he has buddies why not make out you are going for a trip to the pub to save his shame.
Once you are sure your tortoise has soaked the stresses of modern day life away, pat him dry and place him under his heat lamp, unless you have a bathrobe in his size?
How often does he need a bath?
Unless your tortoise suffers from OCD, a once a week spa treatment is likely to suffice. But remember to check for abrasions and shell damage more often as sadly tortoises speak very quietly and us dim humans don’t always hear the cries of displeasure or pain.
We would like to thank our lovely models Lovage and Sage who showed no diva behaviour whatsoever and definitely did not pee in the bath tub.
For more information about tortoise care, check out the Tortoise Trust or join a tortoise forum.
