Hibernation?

[Fe-2470]

This will be my second winter if having my tort (she is 4) I didn't hibernate her the first year but do not know if I should or shouldn't hibernate her this year. Any thoughts?

 

[Fe-2470]

But i do live in northern England which has pretty cool weather all year round.

 

[Huw]

Hiya!
I live oop North too!

Im really not convinced of the need to hibernate a tortoise. Unless they live outside (mine doesnt) i cant imagine why id need to.

But im new to life with a tortoise so ive got an awful lot to learn!

Huw

 

[Fe-2470]

Where a bouts up north?
Thanks for that piece of information.
The only thing is she hasn't been eating lately and I heard that you need to bulk a tortoise about a month before hibernation then not feed them for two weeks before. So when should I hibernate her?

 

[Fe-2470]

But as you say it is not essential to hibernate a tort but I would like to try it. I'm in a bit of a dilemma!

 

[Huw]

But as you say it is not essential to hibernate a tort but I would like to try it. I'm in a bit of a dilemma!

Hi!

We live in Liverpool.

Its been such a lovely summer that im kinda dreading the next few months keeping him in.

"Him" is Monty, our 7 year old Hermanns. He's never hibernated. We've only had him four months but he is already a massive part of our lives!

Why do you feel the need to hibernate yours?

In the wild they would choose their own time to hibernate due to changes in light and temperature. As Monty spends his days indoors now we can maintain heat and light throughout the winter.
Plus ive heard that an underweight tort can get unwell and even die during hibernation.

One piece of advice i received about hibernation is "if youre unsure dont do it".

Also, ive yet to hear of torts suffering through not hibernating. But im all ears!
Im desperate for Monty to be happy and healthy!

Huw

 

[Fe-2470]

Thanks so much for the advice. I love the name, we've got a terrier called monty. I won't hibernate her this year but I would like to do it sometime.

Thanks again.

 

[jod]

The tortoise trust
tortoise table
tortoise lady
tortoise protection group
Have facts about hibernation. I'm looking forward to their hibernation this year (2nd time). I find everything about them fascinating.
Also Google 'Jackson ratio' this helps you decide if your tortoise is an ideal weight to be hibernated