Hi
As you have gathered by  now I love learning about the torts and always have questions!!!!

My question is, can anyone tell my why when you poor water above the torts they lift their faces up to it, are they drinking? I know that torts don't have any suction and the nares need to be closed off for them to drink, so is it that the water trickles through the nares?
Thanks
Jane

Hi Jane,

Yes they are drinking, this is very natural for them.  In the wild when it rains they will stick their necks out and lift their heads up to catch the fresh rain water.

Hope that helps

Jo

Hi Jo

That's good because Molly really goes for it and looks like she enjoys it. But is it going through the nares? and how long should I do it for because Molly would have me doing it all day!!! Keya loves it too.
Thanks Jane

Hi Jane

Just trickle the water over her head until she has enough water in her bath, then if she wants more water she will put her head under the water to drink.

If it was bothering her, or uncomfortable, she would pull her head in........she probably has her head at just the right angle to avoid it going up her nares so I wouldn't worry.

Jo

Thanks Elaine

At least I know that Molly is drinking, and isn't finding the bath too stressful, as I don't think that it is the highlight of her day!!
Jane

To be honest, she sounds like she really enjoys it !!   Some tortoises just disappear into their shells during bath time, or won't sit still and constantly try to get out............I think she might think she's a turtle

Jo

Well that confirms that my two like their baths as they lay with their back legs stretched out too, then after about 20 mins they get restless and want to come out..
Thanks Jo that was interesting
Jane