Hibernation

[Sophie_lou]

Hi.
I am looking for some advise on how to hibernate my Horsefield tortoise properly. Its the first time I have done and I want to make sure I do it correctly as I am worried he won't wake up!

 

[Yevo]

When horsefield tortoises hibernate they stop eating and stop drinking and basically go to sleep for a few months

 

[wellington]

When horsefield tortoises hibernate they stop eating and stop drinking and basically go to sleep for a few months

Yes, but there is the proper prep and storage needed for them to survive the brumation/hibernation.

 

[wellington]

@Tom

 

[Yvonne G]

Is the tortoise being kept indoors or outside?

In the weeks prior to brumation a tortoise will slow down eating and eventually stop altogether. He will come out and sit in the sun, but not be very active. After a few weeks he will stop coming out at all. That would be when you would either box him up and put him in the fridge, or box him up and put him in a safe, cool place for the winter.

 

[Tom]

Hi.
I am looking for some advise on how to hibernate my Horsefield tortoise properly. Its the first time I have done and I want to make sure I do it correctly as I am worried he won't wake up!

Start with all this:

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

Then either read all of this, or skip to post number 19:

Looking for an RT Hibernation "Mentor"

In this thread, @Tom mentioned seeking out a "mentor" who has experience in successfully hibernating Russian tortoises. So I am looking for you! Or any ideas of potential helpful peeps... Thanks! :) A little background: My boyfriend and I are interested in hibernating Steve, our male Russian...

tortoiseforum.org

Most of it will be explained, but questions are always welcome.

 

[Lyn W]

How old is your tort and how long have you had him?

 

[Sophie_lou]

Is the tortoise being kept indoors or outside?

In the weeks prior to brumation a tortoise will slow down eating and eventually stop altogether. He will come out and sit in the sun, but not be very active. After a few weeks he will stop coming out at all. That would be when you would either box him up and put him in the fridge, or box him up and put him in a safe, cool place for the winter.

He is inside. I don't have a separate fridge so will need to box him up. What do I need to place substrate in so he can dig down?

 

[Yvonne G]

I have chest type freezers, unplugged, that I use because they're well insulated and are able to maintain a consistent temperature. But you can use a less used closet in a back bedroom with the door shut.

In a cardboard box I put down the whole Sunday newspaper folded in half, then a layer of shredded paper. I lay the tortoise on that then fill the box up with more shredded paper. Then fold and lock the box's flaps. Put the box in the closet and close the door.

 

[Sophie_lou]

I have chest type freezers, unplugged, that I use because they're well insulated and are able to maintain a consistent temperature. But you can use a less used closet in a back bedroom with the door shut.

In a cardboard box I put down the whole Sunday newspaper folded in half, then a layer of shredded paper. I lay the tortoise on that then fill the box up with more shredded paper. Then fold and lock the box's flaps. Put the box in the closet and close the door.

Thanks for the advise. I will do that.

 

[Theia]

I have chest type freezers, unplugged, that I use because they're well insulated and are able to maintain a consistent temperature. But you can use a less used closet in a back bedroom with the door shut.

In a cardboard box I put down the whole Sunday newspaper folded in half, then a layer of shredded paper. I lay the tortoise on that then fill the box up with more shredded paper. Then fold and lock the box's flaps. Put the box in the closet and close the door.

Isn't this too warm for them at times ?

 

[Sarah2020]

I have chest type freezers, unplugged, that I use because they're well insulated and are able to maintain a consistent temperature. But you can use a less used closet in a back bedroom with the door shut.

In a cardboard box I put down the whole Sunday newspaper folded in half, then a layer of shredded paper. I lay the tortoise on that then fill the box up with more shredded paper. Then fold and lock the box's flaps. Put the box in the closet and close the door.

Simples