how much water should my hermann be drinking?

i bathe him every evening (only had him for 3 days now he is about 8-9mnths i think)

tonight he seemed to dunk his head under the water and drink the water it was scary as he seemed to be under the water for what seemed like ages but really prob only 10 secounds, he then used his feet to wipe his face he then retracted into his shell then popped back out again and dunked his head under again and repeated it.
i only kept him in his bath for about 14mins then gently patted him dry.
i dont want to think he is dehydrating he has a bowl of water in his tank but he has only walked through it,

Hi,

It sounds as though you're doing just fine:-) I would imagine he was a bit low on water if he drank for so long. If you continue daily bathing he will take on as much water as he requires.

HTH
Darren

ok not worried on the water front no more,

we re-arranged there cage for the last time hahaha they now have soil/sand a rockery for climbing and we have moved there water bowl closer to there sleeping place and dug it under so its level with the soil/sand,

clifford has finally walked over to it and had a lovely little drink on his own accord, boris i would say is not keen on water, lol, bathe time he always trys to escape were as clifford loves it,

Hello Darren,

After craving a tortoise for years I finally bought a young Horsfield today and think that I've been a complete fool.  I was told that I would be perfectly OK to take him/her away with me in my caravan, told to feed mostly Romaine lettuce and provide cuttlefish bone, told water wasn't very necessary except for bathing a couple of times a week as they take most of their moisture from their food, no mention of UV or basking lights or tortoise tables, I also bought a small container for Ralph as I was told it would be fine for him to travel in.  What can I do, I have to take him with me for the first time on Thursday. Help!

Hi,

Im afraid Darren is away on holiday this week so i hope i can answer your queries instead. Whoever you got the the tortoise from was wrong to tell you this. Tortoises should have a a safe permanent environment, moving them about and changing what they are used to can stress them out. You are right they do need UV lighting as do all reptiles. Are you just thinking about taking your tortoise away on holiday or do you travel alot?

Ali

I'm going on holiday, but I go caravanning quite alot, I shall be away most of the time now until end of September.  I've weighed Ralph and he's 420g and measures 3".  According to the place I got him from, I was told by one person that he is 9months and by another that he is 12/18months, does his weight and length give any indication of his possible age?  I've given him a supply of water and have introduced grated carrot to his diet to see if he'll accept anything other than Romaine lettuce.

JB.

Sorry, weight is 120g, NOT 420g!

JB.