Hibernation question.

Ernestralph

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My herman tortoise is three years old and never been hibernated. I have only had him for 4 months. Should I wait until next year to hibernate him?
Thanks.
 

Ben02

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You will get a lot of varied opinions on hibernation but me personally, I’ve never hibernated mine. I’d say don’t do it until you are confident and comfortable doing it.
 

Tom

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My herman tortoise is three years old and never been hibernated. I have only had him for 4 months. Should I wait until next year to hibernate him?
Thanks.
As long as he's healthy and eating good all summer, I see no reason not to. Just be sure to do it right. Indoors in a fridge under controlled and monitored conditions.
 

Ben02

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As long as he's healthy and eating good all summer, I see no reason not to. Just be sure to do it right. Indoors in a fridge under controlled and monitored conditions.
I remember when I first heard that method, I thought they were joking:D
 

Tom

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I remember when I first heard that method, I thought they were joking:D
You are not alone my friend.

I think the reason so many people are afraid of hibernation is because of the horror stories from people who just leave the tortoises outside, in a foreign land, subject to the cruel whims of Mother Nature. I know of so many tortoises that have died that way. Meanwhile, I've never lost a reptile of any species when hibernating indoors under correct controlled conditions. Lizards, snakes and tortoises alike.
 

Ernestralph

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So will it harm him if I leave it until next year? I want to get a good routine established first really.
 

dmmj

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Not hibernating is not harmful 2 the tortoise. As long as it has warmth & UV light & food it can go without hibernating. I also usually recommend not hydrating the very first year you have it when you don't know what type of care it had previously
 

Ben02

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You are not alone my friend.

I think the reason so many people are afraid of hibernation is because of the horror stories from people who just leave the tortoises outside, in a foreign land, subject to the cruel whims of Mother Nature. I know of so many tortoises that have died that way. Meanwhile, I've never lost a reptile of any species when hibernating indoors under correct controlled conditions. Lizards, snakes and tortoises alike.
I need to do some research on hibernation as I rarely touch on it. I’ve got no idea on the process so that’s one thing to learn about.
 

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