Water

No matter whether you're keeping them in the wild or in captivity, Bourret's box turtles (Cuora bourreti) need access to clean water. They need to know how much water they need and how to provide it to them efficiently since water is critical to their biology in many ways, including digestion, thermoregulation, and hydration.

In nature, Bourret's box turtles like to hang out in places that have plenty of water, such swamps, ponds, and streams. In addition to supplying essential water, these bodies of water also function as places to calm down, bathe, and hunt. Turtles stay adequately hydrated by drinking from various water sources and, while soaking, by absorbing water via their skin.

When keeping Bourret's box turtles in captivity, it is essential to provide an environment that is as similar to their native habitat as feasible. It is crucial to provide a little dish of water in their cage. To ensure the turtle's comfort when drinking and soaking, the dish should be big enough to immerse it partly. To avoid pollution and bacterial growth—both of which may cause health problems—it is important to replace the water often and keep it clean.

One further thing to think about while giving Bourret's box turtles water is the humidity level. When they live in nature, they stay hydrated in part because of the high humidity in their woodland and marsh environments. To do this, you may either use a humidifier, spray the cage on a regular basis, or add moss or sponges that have been soaked in water to the habitat.

Regular bathing in warm water is also good for Bourret's box turtles. This technique is great for their digestive health since it keeps their skin moisturised, helps with shedding, and may even promote bowel movements. You may use a shallow container filled with lukewarm water for soaking periods that last around fifteen to twenty minutes. To make sure the turtle is secure and comfortable, these sessions should be monitored.

Keep an eye on the water level in the basin where it will be consumed and the one where it will be soaked. Because of the potential presence of chlorine and heavy metals in municipal water systems, it is recommended to use filtered or dechlorinated water for turtles. You may make tap water suitable for reptiles to drink and bathe in by using a water conditioner made particularly for them.

A Bourret's box turtle's food helps keep it hydrated, but it also gets some water from its environment. They are able to satisfy their thirst since a lot of the food they eat is water-rich. In dry weather or when they're very active, it might be helpful to supplement their water intake with water-rich meals like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens.