Hibernation for a newly owned tortoise?

As mentioned in my previous post, I found a Russian tortoise outside our home in England.

He was definitely dehydrated and is underweight according to what I’ve read on the internet, 5.5” and 357g.

Would this tortoise be ok to hibernate?

Thanks for any advice

Many owners will tell you not to hibernate a new tortoise the first year; most will tell you never to hibernate a sick tortoise.

I know you are worried but your vet is best equipped to assess your tortoise’s overall health, not you. He certainly won’t be dehydrated for long in your care.

After you talk with the vet, I think you may be best served by reading the care sheets on hibernation at the Tortoise Trust. Their information is UK based: http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/newhibernation.html.

If you choose to hibernate in a fridge, their instructions are spot on: http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/Refrigerator.htm.

If you decide not to hibernate, that is also fine; you’ll just need to work out the large indoor enclosure. Plenty of folks here to help you with that. I fridge hibernate so I’m not one of them but we have experts.

Ultimately only you can decide what is best for your tortoise, it’s just that you don’t have to decide today or this week. Talk to the vet, read more, and go from there.

P.S. I know it is pointless to tell you not to worry; I’m a huge fussbudget and wanted to get everything right from day one. But it will get less stressful with time.

Thank you so much Rosemary, I will be sure to speak with the vet. Like you said, from there I will make a decision.