Hibernating in Summer!? Advice needed.

[MathildeClaire]

Hello. I'm looking for some advice as I am worried about my two greek tortoise.
Since one week they seem to be hibernating! They have dug a hole in the ground i side their wooden house and are remaining there. It is 32 degrees Celsius here. They have plenty of sunlight, vegetation, roaming space and shaded areas. I feed them well, but now I'm worried perhaps not enough. Why are they resting now during summer? I'm worried, any advice is appreciated.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello! If 32C is unusually high temperature they can be escaping the heat (however, it doesn't seem to be extreme to me). @HermanniChris may be you have some clues (yes, this time not a species ID)?

 

[MathildeClaire]

Hello! If 32C is unusually high temperature they can be escaping the heat (however, it doesn't seem to be extreme to me). @HermanniChris may be you have some clues (yes, this time not a species ID)?

Hi, thanks for your reply. It is true that this week is peak temperature and the hottest they have experienced this year. Although the temperature has been leading up to 32 degrees. I don't feel as though it has been a sudden shock. They have two very shallow water trays, but they are never interested, I wonder if they have enough water from their food. They usually eat a lot of endives, which have high water content. Is it possible that they be resting for a short period?

 

[wellington]

Also, they should not be housed in pairs. One may be trying to get away from the other, but the other followed along. Both heat and bullying need to be addressed.
Misters or sprinklers can help lower temps. Misters better.
Also deep shade is needed from low bushes.
They need separate enclosures.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

This could be aestivation, caused by excessively high temperatures, warm rain-free summers or lack of food and water. The tortoises are seeking hydration and lower temperatures underground.

Whats the weather been like? Any rain? Highs and lows?Have you been soaking your tortoises? Do they have a waterdish?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hopefully the other responses answer your questions

Going off what wellington said,
tortoise of any species should NEVER be housed in pairs under any circumstances, they’re incredibly territorial, behaviours that look cute to us really aren’t, following one another and sleeping huddled up is all bullying the the tortoise world, you’ll eventually see more extreme signs of aggression. Anyone who tells you pairs are fine, have no idea what they’re talking about.

Small groups are ok when there’s lots of land and the correct male to female ratio.

If you only have two, they’ll need separating asap👍

Are they housed outdoors year round?🙂