Quote Originally Posted by JoshSloane View Post
If care isn't taken to soak hatchlings, and maintain humidity standards, it is very possible to receive a dehydrated hatchling that wasn't eating.
Honestly, soaking is only required if your environment is substandard. Them wild ones don't have someone placing them in a tub of water every day and you never see pyramiding there. It's a good practice if you're unsure but I think dialing in your parameters better is a healthier remedy longterm. Seems we both agree on one thing especially, buy from someone who is reputable and offering well started tortoises. Buying a yearling makes it harder for a seller to deceive you though. They all look pretty perfect right out of the egg but if they look good at a year - the seller is doing something right.