20 month old Hermanns is sleeping a lot

Megang97

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Portsmouth, uk
I’ve had my tortoise for 2-3 months now and he’s settled in fine, he’s eating and drinking and I’ve been soaking him every week (and putting him in his water bowl every day at least 2 or 3 times). He’s around 20 months old.

ive noticed he’s only actually active for about 2-3 hours a day and the rest he spends sleeping, usually in one of his hides - I get him up most mornings to put him in his water but if I don’t get him up he is usually active 10:30-12:30 for a couple of hours. It is winter here and only about 5 degree Celsius.

his hot area of his tank is about 37 degrees Celsius, middle about 33 and cold is about 30 which all seems okay (please advice if it isn’t!)

he is my first tortoise so any help is appreciated! I’ve also attached a photo or his enclosure in case I’ve missed something or done anything wrong
 

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FrankIinTheTortoise

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Earth
I’ve had my tortoise for 2-3 months now and he’s settled in fine, he’s eating and drinking and I’ve been soaking him every week (and putting him in his water bowl every day at least 2 or 3 times). He’s around 20 months old.

ive noticed he’s only actually active for about 2-3 hours a day and the rest he spends sleeping, usually in one of his hides - I get him up most mornings to put him in his water but if I don’t get him up he is usually active 10:30-12:30 for a couple of hours. It is winter here and only about 5 degree Celsius.

his hot area of his tank is about 37 degrees Celsius, middle about 33 and cold is about 30 which all seems okay (please advice if it isn’t!)

he is my first tortoise so any help is appreciated! I’ve also attached a photo or his enclosure in case I’ve missed something or done anything wrong
He may be trying to brumate or hibernate. To stop this, I have some advice. The tank temperature is perfect. It doesn't look like a humid tank, tortoises require a good amount of humidity. The water looks really dirty, tortoises need clean water to drink. Try cleaning it daily and make sure he doesn't get any substrate in it. Get a humid hide for the tortoise as well. Other than that, to my knowledge, everything is fine. Could you let me know his diet? Thanks,
FranklinTheTortoise
 

Megang97

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Joined
Oct 21, 2020
Messages
62
Location (City and/or State)
Portsmouth, uk
Thank you for your help! I usually spray water over a few areas in his tank to cause some more humidity (usually where his hides are), it may be worth me doing this a lot more if it’s too dry.

regarding his water, he was sat in it not too long ago after burying himself hence why it’s dirty (it’s usually spotless I just hadn’t changed it before taking the photo) ?

would I need to get another hide for him? What would be classed as a humid hide? (Sorry it that’s a stupid question)

I feed him 5 times a week - I like to mix it up quite a bit but he usually has some kale and broccoli, dried flower and leave mixes from a specialist reptile shop and a banana flavoured dry grass type food (the little balls) - he can be quite picky and usually eats the kale first which seems to be his favourite, he also has cuttlefish things which he hasn’t touched. He’s pretty good with his food and hasn’t gone a day without having a little nibble which is reassuring.

how often should he be sleeping and would once a week be long enough to soak him?
 

FrankIinTheTortoise

Active Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2020
Messages
112
Location (City and/or State)
Earth
Thank you for your help! I usually spray water over a few areas in his tank to cause some more humidity (usually where his hides are), it may be worth me doing this a lot more if it’s too dry.

regarding his water, he was sat in it not too long ago after burying himself hence why it’s dirty (it’s usually spotless I just hadn’t changed it before taking the photo) ?

would I need to get another hide for him? What would be classed as a humid hide? (Sorry it that’s a stupid question)

I feed him 5 times a week - I like to mix it up quite a bit but he usually has some kale and broccoli, dried flower and leave mixes from a specialist reptile shop and a banana flavoured dry grass type food (the little balls) - he can be quite picky and usually eats the kale first which seems to be his favourite, he also has cuttlefish things which he hasn’t touched. He’s pretty good with his food and hasn’t gone a day without having a little nibble which is reassuring.

how often should he be sleeping and would once a week be long enough to soak him?

"A humidity hide box can serve as a way to boost humidity for reptiles, provide a more natural environment, minimize stress, and can help with shedding problems. They are a great addition to the vivarium for reptiles that like higher humidity because they provide a micro-climate with extra humidity."

1607724567076.png

This is a good example of a natural looking humid hide ^ Just mist it often. If you don't wanna buy one you can make one yourself which is what I recommend: How to Make a Humidity Hide Box (thesprucepets.com)

I would add some Romain Lettuce and Cucumber to his diet. My Franklin has recently discovered how refreshing it is to munch on a cucumber and also loves Romaine Lettuce :) I would recommend soaking him twice a week or more for 20-30 minutes. Here is how to soak a tortoise: How to Bathe a Tortoise: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow My Franklin has been taking long naps lately, but never for almost the whole day. At this time of year is when reptiles tend to sleep a lot or hibernate so don't worry, you're not alone here. He should be taking naps for no more than 3 hours a day (not including nighttime), if he naps more than 3 hours then I suggest waking him up to a nice, warm soak. That will keep him busy and hydrate him. When you finish soaking him put him in front of a salad with a variety of different veggies and he'll be bound to dig in. Then he will be energized and will not have to sleep as often, your tortoise is sleeping to regain its energy. Hope all is well,
FranklinTheTortoise
 

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