Hibernation timing

[abblecrumble]

Hello, I’m sure this forum gets quite a few hibernation questions but I can’t seem to find an answer for mine (apologies if it has already been answered)

I was wondering if there is a point in the year that is too late to hibernate a tortoise?

My fridge wasn’t working in time for me to hibernate him October or November time and now the fridge will be used over Christmas.

Is the 1st Jan too late to put him into hibernation? He is a 12 year old Russian tortoise who hadn’t hibernated previously as he came to me very malnourished and underweight a few years ago - but is now really healthy and eating amazingly and has seen a vet earlier this year. Since it’s his first one and I am nervous about it I wasn’t planning to hibernate him for long, around 2/3 weeks?

Just looking for people who have experience hibernating their tortoises for specific advice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

@Tom can it be too late to hibernate?

 

[Tom]

Hello, I’m sure this forum gets quite a few hibernation questions but I can’t seem to find an answer for mine (apologies if it has already been answered)

I was wondering if there is a point in the year that is too late to hibernate a tortoise?

My fridge wasn’t working in time for me to hibernate him October or November time and now the fridge will be used over Christmas.

Is the 1st Jan too late to put him into hibernation? He is a 12 year old Russian tortoise who hadn’t hibernated previously as he came to me very malnourished and underweight a few years ago - but is now really healthy and eating amazingly and has seen a vet earlier this year. Since it’s his first one and I am nervous about it I wasn’t planning to hibernate him for long, around 2/3 weeks?

Just looking for people who have experience hibernating their tortoises for specific advice.

Thanks in advance!

As long as you do the proper lead in and the temps are correct, I don't think there is a problem with starting later. And I think you can go all the way through February and into March as well to give him more time.

 

[abblecrumble]

As long as you do the proper lead in and the temps are correct, I don't think there is a problem with starting later. And I think you can go all the way through February and into March as well to give him more time.

Ok amazing, thank you. It’s such a nerve wracking thing to do for the first time but I do think it’s going to be best because it’s what they do in the wild naturally