Hibernating temps

[tinsel]

My Russian is sleeping all day every day. What is the right way to let her hibernate. How long will it last

 

[Tom]

You need to spend two weeks at normal temps and lighting with no food. Daily warm soaks will ensure good hydration and an empty gut. Spend the next couple of weeks after that dropping the temperatures and shortening the day light cycles. Then pop them into a 50 degree fridge and gradually lower the temp down to 40ish.

After 6-8 weeks for a baby, or 10-12 weeks for an adult, reverse the process, only you can move a little faster when warming them back up. The soaks are important for good hydration before and after hibernation, and for emptying the gut before hibernation.

 

[Kasia]

My Russian is sleeping all day every day. What is the right way to let her hibernate. How long will it last[/Q

My Russian is sleeping all day every day. What is the right way to let her hibernate. How long will it last

Read a lot before You put Your sweetie in the fridge - buy a temp sensor to keep

My Russian is sleeping all day every day. What is the right way to let her hibernate. How long will it last

Read a lot before You put Your Sweetie to the fridge. Buy Yourself a temperature sensor for the fridge to keep You update on the temps close to Your Tort (to make sure that they are stable and not below 3 deg Cecilius) . If Your tort is sick or You have even a little doubt on its good health consult with Your Vet

Good luck

 

[tinsel]

I don't think I am brave enough to do that. I feel like she is in a self imposed hibernation. She has been sleeping for three weeks straight. I want to wake her and bath her, but I feel like I am messing with nature.

 

[Kasia]

But actually it's not good for her if You keep her sleeping in room temperature. She should be eating and drinking (soaking is a great idea). While sleeping at RT she's using up all stored body fat faster then she should be and not taking in enough food to sustain herself. In a long run it's not good. My Rufin is up and awake, he eats less then usually and his less active but still it's ok. I soak him every other day - his more "up" afterwards. Keep Your tortoise up by raising temperatures. If she does not eat, soak her daily to keep her hydrated. In the wild she would be dug in a cold ground so yes You are messing with her nature Good luck