Hibernation

[TonyaTortoise]

I have a four year old Mediterranean Spur thigh and she (think it’s a she) has never hibernated. I live in the UK and wondering if I should allow her to hibernate this year. She weighs about 160g. She’s my first tortoise. Any advice welcome from more experienced owners.

 

[wellington]

It's really up to you. Read the thread we have on it and see if its something you feel comfortable doing. You can't just let her do it outside and there is prep work before hand.

 

[Sarah2020]

I have a four year old Mediterranean Spur thigh and she (think it’s a she) has never hibernated. I live in the UK and wondering if I should allow her to hibernate this year. She weighs about 160g. She’s my first tortoise. Any advice welcome from more experienced owners. View attachment 349973

How come you have grass like that when we have been scorched!

UK winter temp is not conducive to outside hibernation or brumation. Please search on here for brumation prep as there is a pre brumation inc no food to empty gut, brumation and past brumation.

Burmation Advice

I’ve had my tort for 2.5ish years now and he is around 3/4. I have previously not burmated(?) them before as I am first time owner, so just ensured the temps all year round as didn’t want to risk him not waking. I will soon be moving and there is discussion over the cost of heating the table...

tortoiseforum.org

Care sheet

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise

I chose the title of this care sheet very carefully. Are there other ways to raise babies and care for adults? Yes. Yes there are, but those ways are not as good. What follows is the BEST way, according to 30 years of research and experimentation with hundreds of babies of many species. What is...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[TonyaTortoise]

Thank you for replying. The grass stayed green because it doesn’t get cut much in that part of the garden, as it’s a small wildlife area. Tonya comes in at night (unless it’s a very warm one) and is in over winter. I have read the information sheet below and it’s given me so much to think about. Tonya seems pretty healthy and I don’t think I have done too bad so far but I could probably do better to make sure she continues to thrive. She seems too big for her indoor enclosure now so I am going to need a bigger set up

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome.
Some people use fridges to hibernate torts now because of our unreliable climate. If left outside, a mild spell during winter can make them wake early and if they eat then go back into hibernation in a colder spell the food could rot in the gut and become toxic. Plus you have the worry about rats finding the tort and chewing limbs off. It's a risky business and I'm glad I don't have to make that decision with my tort.
The caresheets linked above should help you decide. Good luck.