SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-water-bowl

What water rule applies even to land tortoises?

Provide clean water for drinking and soaking.

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  1. Keep them completely dry at all times
  2. Give only mist, never a bowl
  3. Clean water always available, big enough to soak in ✔

Why: Merck says water must be available at all times to avoid dehydration. UC Davis says a tortoise bowl should be big enough to soak in and shallow enough to climb out.

Huh, didn't know that: UC Davis says to change the water daily, because many tortoises poop in their water.

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Why did the turtle take a bath? To get shell-clean.
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References

Answer: Clean water always available, big enough to soak in. Merck says water must be available at all times to avoid dehydration. UC Davis says a tortoise bowl should be big enough to soak in and shallow enough to climb out.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner): Providing a Home for a Reptile www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/reptiles/providing-a-home-for-a-reptile
    It is very important that water be available at all times to avoid dehydration.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. UC Davis California Veterinary Emergency Team: Avian and Exotics Animal Care and Feeding Guide (Jan 2025), Turtle/Tortoise Care cvet.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk13661/files/inline-files/CVET%20Avian%20and%20Exotics%20Animal%20Care%20and%20Feeding%20Guide%20010725.pdf
    Water should be changed daily as many tortoises are stimulated to defecate in water.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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