Bath time !

Tortie had her first bath of 2024 this afternoon. As well as putting her in a few inches of tepid water, Gareth also washed her shell (very gently!) - which she seemed to like.  I learned that bathing isn't just about a spring clean after winter hibernation - apparently, tortoises can hydrate through their rectum as well as through their nostrils or mouth.  Who knew? !  Well apparently, bro does - Tortie has been a family member since 1973.  After about 15 minutes, bro dried her off and rubbed a little olive oil in to her shell before letting her snooze in front of the gas fire in the lounge. She sat there for the next couple of hours until bro and I went to the pub (Gardeners) for dinner and a couple of pints, leaving Tortie in a box in the kitchen (still too cold at night for her to be outside), Rufus in his crate (he loves it in there - his own private space) and Harry upstairs on my bed. 

All is well.