Had my tortoises Dot and Dash for 4 years (they were 2 when we got them) although the 1st few years they were kept in a vivarium over the winter we feel they are old enough to have a `proper` hibernation this year....any tips appreciated.
Any tortoise owners?
There is something called the "Jackson's index" which compares the tortoise's length with its weight. This lets you know if it is fat enough to hibernate.
If you do hibernate them they need to be in a frost-free environment than won't allow them to either freeze or to get too warm and wake up.
Most people use a well ventilated cardboard box, well insulated with hay.
If your tortoies live outside as the weather cools they would slow down and eat less so be careful they don't bury themselves somewhere unsuitable before you hibernate them.
If they live inside you need to gradually reduce the heat and to be aware not every species of tortosie naturally hibernates so you should research which type your are.
If you do hibernate them they need to be in a frost-free environment than won't allow them to either freeze or to get too warm and wake up.
Most people use a well ventilated cardboard box, well insulated with hay.
If your tortoies live outside as the weather cools they would slow down and eat less so be careful they don't bury themselves somewhere unsuitable before you hibernate them.
If they live inside you need to gradually reduce the heat and to be aware not every species of tortosie naturally hibernates so you should research which type your are.
Shelled Warriors is a good website for tortoise owners, especially their forums.
Originally Posted by guernseysnail:
“Had my tortoises Dot and Dash for 4 years (they were 2 when we got them) although the 1st few years they were kept in a vivarium over the winter we feel they are old enough to have a `proper` hibernation this year....any tips appreciated.”
“Had my tortoises Dot and Dash for 4 years (they were 2 when we got them) although the 1st few years they were kept in a vivarium over the winter we feel they are old enough to have a `proper` hibernation this year....any tips appreciated.
”
I would keep the torts on a table not a viv. I put mine in the fridge for hibernation
Originally Posted by lucius4:
“I would keep the torts on a table not a viv. I put mine in the fridge for hibernation”
“I would keep the torts on a table not a viv. I put mine in the fridge for hibernation”
Are you being serious?
I don't know the first thing about them but bloody hell, wont they die in there?
Originally Posted by williammur:
“Are you being serious?
I don't know the first thing about them but bloody hell, wont they die in there?”
“Are you being serious?
I don't know the first thing about them but bloody hell, wont they die in there?
”
Yes I am. No they will not die in the fridge. The fridge keeps temps between 3 and 7c. A tort needs temps under 10c to stop them waking up but not going to zero. A fridge keeps my torts at 5c perfect
I open the fridge every day to get the air in and once a week I check they are ok, no pee and weigh them once a week.If you are really interested in keeping a Tortoise i would too recommend going to the Shelled Warriors forums. Loads of people don't hibernate there torts. I know a guy who has a 77 year old tort, his dad never hibernate and his son does not either. He looks lovely (I mean the tort
)
well the tortoises hibernated but have woken up because it's so mild....so what to do with them now, still a bit cold for them to go outside, but I can hear them moving about in their box in the shed, any other tortoise hibernators out there?
Originally Posted by guernseysnail:
“well the tortoises hibernated but have woken up because it's so mild....so what to do with them now, still a bit cold for them to go outside, but I can hear them moving about in their box in the shed, any other tortoise hibernators out there?”
“well the tortoises hibernated but have woken up because it's so mild....so what to do with them now, still a bit cold for them to go outside, but I can hear them moving about in their box in the shed, any other tortoise hibernators out there?”
If you have a spare room, put them in there a heat lamp until it's warm enough for them to go outside or in their viv temporarily. Try and bathe them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes when you get them out as the water rehydrates their skin.
I have two Greek spur thigh torts, male is about 17 and female in her 60's. They are fascinating creatures and hate having to put them away each year cos I miss watching them in the garden. Can't wait til it gets warmer so they wake up.
