Because turtles aren't fish, they don't have gills, which means they can't breathe under water. Russian tortoises are great beginner pet tortoises, as they are healthy and hardy creatures. a tortoise should have water available every day, you may not see him drink but they do need water, mine don't always drink out of the dish but they do soak in it and get a bath twice a week, but they do get some water from the food they eat, but water should be there if they need it to stop them getting dehydrated, best of luck with your answers. Biology It just seems like an illogical thing to do since they're just dehydrating themselves in an environment where water isn't as easily accessed. Tortoises are also often able to absorb fluids through the cloaca. During a summer rain tortoises will often drink and urinate simultaneously. Is he just realizing it will help him go? Also, the cuttlebone.... do I just put it on the substrate? Your tortoise … These tortoises are relatively small compared to others in the pet market. At the end of the article, you can find helpful home remedies to help treat stool that is loose and watery. Torts often urinate and defecate at the same time, including passing the whitish urates, which then sit on top of the feces. The tortoise does not always need to actually drink while soaking in order to hydrate itself. When I got back, he had pooped in it AGAIN! Because turtles have waterproof skin and breathe air, you can remove more water at a time than you would for an amphibian or fish. Because liquid stool can result in excess water losses from the body, it’s important drink more water when you have diarrhea to prevent severe side effects. Skin and shell sloughing. During a summer rain tortoises will often drink and urinate simultaneously. That means that turtles can't stay underwater all the time. Why do Desert Tortoises release all bodily fluids when they're nervous/scared when Water is scarce in the desert? The behaviour can be stimulated in hot weather by lightly spraying the animals with a garden hose. Why is he pooping in his water dish more than he ever has? Conduct partial water changes at least once a week if the tank has a large water area or clean the tank completely if it is a terrarium. It is believed that tortoise can take in water through a vent in the tail also. They can hold their breath for a very long time, but they have to come … Don’t be alarmed if your tortoise’s poop is always white or has a whitish layer over a darker base. Celebrate the ultimate slow and steady land reptile with these fun facts about tortoises. If the water area is just a bowl, change the water daily. Gastroenteritis. 1. Depriving the tortoise of water will result in urates being accumulated - often to dangerous levels. Depriving the tortoise of water will result in urates being accumulated - often to dangerous levels. Let’s look in more detail at some of the many reasons why your poop is coming out like water. Let’s look in more detail at some of the many reasons why your poop is coming out like water. The most important thing that you can do to keep a tortoise healthy is to ensure that you are providing a proper environment and diet. The most important thing to remember about the water in your turtle's habitat is that turtles eat, drink, swim, defecate (poop) and urinate (pee) in the same water. Keep the tank clean to help avoid disease. A common reason for passing liquid poop during an … At the end of the article, you can find helpful home remedies to help treat stool that is loose and watery. A common reason for passing liquid poop during an uncomfortable bowel movement is gastroenteritis.