Desert Tortoise and Water

by Gail
(Phoenix, Az)

Hi,

I have 2 desert tortoises. I am in phoenix, az. They live inside. Part of their home is flat with reptile bark and I used a tray and filled it with water for them. The female stays in the water a good part of the day with only her head sticking out. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

Also,

The male is constantly mounting her and they are having sex . . . I was wondering how I can tell if she is pregnant and if she is what happens next? Could this be why she sits in the water? A few years ago I found a baby tortoise the size of my pinky nail in the water and it drowned.

Thanks so much for your help.

Gail