What is the primary rationale for the daily or every-other-day soaking schedule for tortoises under 3 years old?
Answer
Critical for proper shell development and preventing pyramiding
Frequent hydration for hatchlings and juveniles serves as preventative maintenance to ensure proper development while their bodies are rapidly growing, specifically targeting shell integrity.
Related Questions
What factors primarily dictate the required soaking frequency for a Russian tortoise?What soaking frequency is generally recommended for hatchlings and very young juveniles?If a healthy adult Russian tortoise maintains a moisture-rich diet and has access to a usable water dish, how often might soaking be necessary?Through which opening do tortoises absorb a significant quantity of water during a soak?What is the primary rationale for the daily or every-other-day soaking schedule for tortoises under 3 years old?Which environmental condition necessitates supplementing with more regular manual soaks?What is the suggested temperature for water used during a routine soak?What is the generally accepted duration for an effective tortoise soak?What visual indicator suggests a Russian tortoise is adequately hydrated regarding its waste product?What soaking schedule is advised for a tortoise immediately after it has been acquired?For smaller animals, how deep should the soaking water be relative to the body?