What Can I Bathe My Tortoise In? Safe Options, Water Depth & Step-by-Step Guide
Bathing, or soaking, is a simple routine that can make a big difference in the well-being of your tortoise. While it may look like just a little bath in warm water, it supports hydration, digestion, shell health, and overall comfort. Young tortoises especially lose moisture quickly, so regular soaking is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn what type of container is safe to use, how deep the water should be, how warm it needs to feel, and how often different age groups should be bathed. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create a stress-free soaking routine for your tortoise.
Why Bathing Matters
Soaking helps tortoises drink, flush their systems, and hydrate their skin and shell. It also reduces the risk of dehydration and assists some species with shedding. In the wild, tortoises hydrate from puddles, morning dew, or damp ground. In captivity, we need to recreate this naturally and safely — and a simple shallow bath does exactly that.
What Can I Bathe My Tortoise In?
The most important rule is to use a shallow, stable container where your tortoise can stand comfortably with its head above the water. The container should be easy to access, easy to clean, and not deep enough for the tortoise to slip or become trapped.
Here are the most suitable options:
1. A shallow tortoise soaking tray (recommended option)
This is the safest and most practical choice. A purpose-built tray is low-sided, wide, stable, and allows water to spread evenly without becoming too deep. It also makes cleaning quick, which is helpful since tortoises often relieve themselves during soaking. Good Bits Soaking Tray is designed exactly for this use — shallow, secure, non-slip, and large enough for natural movement.
2. A plastic storage box
A simple alternative when you are starting out. It must be low in height and spacious enough for your tortoise to turn comfortably. Choose a box that is wide and shallow rather than tall and deep.
3. A ceramic or rubber mixing tub
Durable, heavy enough not to tip, and easy to clean. Just ensure the base has some grip or add a textured mat to prevent sliding.
4. A baby bath or small basin
Suitable only if the sides are low and the bottom isn’t slippery. If the sides curve upward and trap the tortoise inside, it is better to choose a shallower container.
How Deep Should the Water Be?
Water depth is the main safety factor. The water should reach just above the plastron (the bottom shell) but must never cover the tortoise’s nose. Your tortoise should be able to stand naturally with its head completely above water, without stretching upward for air.
General depth guidance:
- Babies: 0.5–1.5 cm
- Juveniles: 1–2.5 cm
- Adults: 2–4 cm depending on size
Even shallow water can be risky if a tortoise flips, so supervision is essential.
Water Temperature
Warm water encourages drinking and relaxation. A safe temperature is around 32–35°C (89–95°F), similar to a baby bath. It should feel warm to the touch when tested on the inside of your wrist — never hot and never cold. Warm water cools quickly, so topping up with warm water halfway through the bath may be necessary.
How to Bathe a Tortoise Step-by-Step
- Prepare a shallow tray with warm water at the correct depth.
- Gently place your tortoise into the tray and allow it to settle. Most will begin to drink naturally.
- Let the tortoise soak for 10–20 minutes while you supervise.
- You may scoop water gently over the shell to support hydration.
- If the tortoise defecates, rinse the tray and refresh the water.
- Pat the shell dry and return the tortoise to its enclosure while it is warm.
How Often Should You Bathe a Tortoise?
The frequency depends on age and environment. Younger tortoises need more frequent soaks because they lose moisture faster.
- Babies: 4–5 times weekly
- Juveniles: 2–3 times weekly
- Adults: 1–2 times weekly
During hot weather or when a tortoise seems dehydrated, constipated, or less active than normal, short daily soaks can help restore hydration.
Best Container Sizes for Different Species
- Sulcata: A large, wide shallow tray works best
- Russian tortoise: Medium tray with low sides
- Hermann’s tortoise: Medium shallow tray
- Leopard tortoise: Large surface area with stability
- Red-foot tortoise: Slightly deeper water, still shallow and supervised
Outdoor Soaking
If you soak your tortoise outside, keep the tray covered to prevent leaves, dirt, predators, insects, or direct sun from affecting the bath. Rainwater can quickly raise the water level, so supervision remains important. A tray cover is helpful for keeping the water clean and controlled outdoors.
