Hibernation? And heat

[Hankthetank]

I have a russian tortoise that I keep indoors and was wondering when hibernation season is for them and how I know my tortoise is going into it? Also the guy at the pet store told me that I should always keep his heat lamp on but other websites say to turn it off at night along with his normal lights..any help?

 

[Jodie]

A tortoise kept inside does not need to hibernate. He should have dark at night. If he is an adult and your house isn't too cold he doesn't need night heat. If you do need night heat a CHE is a good option.

 

[turdle yerdle]

I think hibernation is through November through April (in the wild)

 

[turdle yerdle]

you could change the cycle though

 

[Tom]

I have a russian tortoise that I keep indoors and was wondering when hibernation season is for them and how I know my tortoise is going into it? Also the guy at the pet store told me that I should always keep his heat lamp on but other websites say to turn it off at night along with his normal lights..any help?

They hibernate through winter. You will know because he will become less active and the appetite will drop off. Sometimes these things don't happen for indoor tortoises, but most of the time it still does.

I hope the heat lamp isn't one of those red bulbs. Unless you live inside a refrigerator, you should not need night heat for a russian.

These will help:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/