How often should I bathe my 5 year old Horsefield? How and why should this be done - have not found any detailed explanations in my digging so far. He has a permanent shallow bath he can use too.

i use a lid off a steamer ie food steamer hot water out of the kettle then cool it down with tap water i bath mine three times a week before they eat i leave them in the bath for about 5-10 mins all so pour a little water over them

Hi, to this site.

As you have only just acquired him, its best to bathe him each day, especially if he was housed in a viv, he may be dehydrated.  Bathing him will rehydrate him, even if you do not see him drink (done by putting mouth and nose in water, you can see the water travelling down their neck!) he will still be absorbing water via the cloaca (back passage). 

Whilst bathing you will often find that the tort will either urinate and release white urates in the water and/or poo in the water. This is nothing to be concerned about, in the wild they usually hold on until they find a source of water so as not to dehydrate, as once water is found they can release wee and poo, whilst drinking water! 

Keep the bowl of water in the enclosure he can then drink when he wants.

Hope this helps, regards Vivienne

Brilliant! Thanks for the excellent info Jack and Viv!