Water is essential to all living things. Even animals that live in the desert have evolved to live without water, but they cannot do so forever. It is not enough to provide a healthy tortoise with lighting, heat, and a comfortable home. A water source must be provided in their enclosure, and the best way to ensure that your tortoise drinks comfortably is to use one of these best water dishes that we have reviewed below.
The Best Tortoise Water Dishes
The best tortoise water dishes are the Zoo Med Corner Dish, Exo Terra Water Bowl, and the PIVBY Automatic Dispenser Feeder.
A good water dish will help keep your tortoise hydrated, and can also prevent your tortoise from wheezing.
Zoo Med Corner Dish
This product is our top choice for water dishes for your tortoise. The first thing you’ll notice about this dish is its unusual design. It is small enough to be tucked in a corner, giving your tortoise more room to move around, but large enough to carry a good amount of water or food.
You don’t have to worry about this water dish collapsing because it is made of thick and stable material. This water dish is also economical (less than $25), and it is long-lasting. And the best part? The water dish is made of easy-to-clean plastic, and it is dishwasher-friendly!
Pros:
- It is flexible. It can be used as both a food bowl and a water dish.
- Does not take up a lot of space.
- It’s easy to clean
Cons:
- It is wide, making it unsuitable for small tortoises or hatchlings.
- Not big enough to be used by multiple tortoises
Exo Terra Water Bowl
I love this water bowl because of its very realistic look. Although the material is plastic, it is strong and stable. It is simple to clean and dishwasher safe, and it is equipped with cutting-edge technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria and germs.
Another feature that most owners appreciate is that the dish includes safety steps to prevent drowning, so if your pet falls into it and becomes trapped, there are interior steps it can use to get out. As a side benefit, it’s also appropriate for small tortoises. The only issue with this product is its price, which is on the higher end (around $18). However, given its outstanding features and one-of-a-kind design, it’s worth it.
Pros:
- It has a natural appearance.
- The material possesses antibacterial properties.
- It is durable.
Cons:
- The outer surface is pretty soft, which makes it easy to get scratched.
- It is expensive
PIVBY Automatic Dispenser Feeder
This item is on our list because it is one-of-a-kind, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting. This water dish functions as an automatic water dispenser, allowing your tortoise to drink when you are not present. The water dish is simple to assemble and disassemble for thorough cleaning and refilling.
It is made of a sturdy material suitable for small tortoises as well, as it has lower edges that will assist them in reaching the water. This bowl is on the smaller side, which makes it perfect for indoor tortoises.
It is also the cheapest on our list, as it only costs $11.
Pros:
- It is appropriate for both hatchlings and adult tortoises.
- Made with environmentally friendly material.
- It provides tortoise water even when you are not present.
- It is quick to assemble and disassemble, which is great for cleaning and refilling.
Cons:
- It is only useful for small indoor tortoises.
Why its important to have a good water bowl for your tortoise
Most people believe that tortoises can survive for days without water because they are adapted to dry regions. Like any other household pet, they require water, especially when the humidity is high. As a result, you must devise a convenient method of making the water accessible. Without a good water source, your tortoise may experience dehydration.
Dehydration can cause constipation in pets, making excretion difficult. Dehydration has also been linked to other health problems that can be fatal such as prolapse.
Reptiles use their body’s water reserves to aid digestion and excretion. When they don’t have enough water, uric acid solidifies in their bodies and causes the tortoise a lot of pain by clogging their urinary tract. As a result, toxic substances remain and accumulate in the body, killing your pet.
Gout and kidney failure are also caused by uric acid buildup. Gout, for example, causes excruciating pain and discomfort in tortoises when toxins accumulate in specific body parts. Dehydration may lead to kidney failure and death if your pet is not treated promptly in more severe cases. To avoid such dire complications, all tortoise owners should provide plenty of clean water, which can only be done with a great water dish.
You should also feed your tortoises plants that are high in water content, such as arugula and kiwi.
Factors to consider when buying a water bowl for your tortoise
When selecting the best water dish for your tortoise, you should consider the material, size, height, and design.
Material
When selecting a water dish, the first thing to consider is the material of the dish. Some are extremely toxic and can cause illness, especially if the material is not made for pets. If you’re going to use plastic, make sure it’s food grade. The best manufacturers are always concerned with making the materials safe for animal use while keeping their well-being in mind.
We advise against non-food-grade materials because they may contain dangerous toxins that are lethal to animals or humans. Some plastics might also melt if left out in the sun for too long. These items could also be counterfeit or of poor quality.
Size
Most tortoises drink water while soaking or bathing. As a result, it is best to find a wide enough dish to accommodate your tortoise completely; this means that the length of your tortoise should determine the size of your bowl. Also, make sure your tortoise can climb into and out of the dish quickly and safely. The last thing you want is for your tortoise to get stuck in the water dish.
Height
Keep your tortoise’s size and age in mind when selecting a water dish. Young tortoises, for example, have small bodies and need shallow water dishes. Adult tortoises, on the other hand, should avoid shallow dishes because they can trip over the edge.
Design
Many manufacturers understand different tort species and sizes; thus, there are various dish designs on the market for you to choose from. Ramp bowls, for example, are great for older tortoises but can drown hatchlings. The water dishes have been raised, and if a young tort falls in, it may not save itself.
Conclusion
Many people have also chosen to make their water dishes for their tortoises out of plastic plant saucers, garbage can lids, or by cementing a pond into the tortoise’s enclosure.
You must use a water bowl that is appropriate for your tortoise. Russian tortoises, for example, can use shallow water dishes like plant saucers.
A common misconception is that because tortoises can survive harsh conditions, the amount and quality of water are unimportant factors to consider.
You must provide food and clean water for hydration and soaking to maintain the proper health for your tortoise. Without it, tortoises are prone to complications such as kidney failure and gout, both of which can be painful and fatal.
