I just rescued an African Spur from getting dropped off at a shelter, but apparently I'm out of my depth. This is my first tortoise. He's around 40 lbs and 5 years old. I am currently setting up additions to his habitat, as he doesn't seem to like what I created for him and he's choosing weird places in his new yard.
The original owner stated that he hibernates, so later this month he'll go into hibernation. Ive never had a creature in my care that hibernates.I did the research and I just keep reading that his breed doesn't. I live in Southern California. The weather is hot. LoL But soon it will start going down around the 50s and 60s. My questions:
1) Does he really have to hibernate?
2) If yes, any links for the proper outdoor enclosure for where it rains here and there, but doesn't snow and doesn't really get below 40°? (I created an area he could dig if he wanted to, but im afraid it might get muddy. I also have a large space under a patio cover that is concrete.)
3) If he does hibernate... how often should I check on if he's alive? Should I be worried in general? Do most of you miss your tortoises when they're asleep for 6 months?
4) If not, what do you think was going on with the original owner when he said he was? And what should I do instead?
5) Dumb question possibly, but do tortoises like baths? I groom all of my littles and I wasn't sure if I should give him a little bath, wipe his nails, little spikes, shell, etc. I over pamper, I'm one of thoooose people.
Spring and summer... totally got him taken care of and he seems to be getting comfortable in his new digs and enjoys tormenting the cats. But for fall and winter... I'm lost. :-(
The original owner stated that he hibernates, so later this month he'll go into hibernation. Ive never had a creature in my care that hibernates.I did the research and I just keep reading that his breed doesn't. I live in Southern California. The weather is hot. LoL But soon it will start going down around the 50s and 60s. My questions:
1) Does he really have to hibernate?
2) If yes, any links for the proper outdoor enclosure for where it rains here and there, but doesn't snow and doesn't really get below 40°? (I created an area he could dig if he wanted to, but im afraid it might get muddy. I also have a large space under a patio cover that is concrete.)
3) If he does hibernate... how often should I check on if he's alive? Should I be worried in general? Do most of you miss your tortoises when they're asleep for 6 months?
4) If not, what do you think was going on with the original owner when he said he was? And what should I do instead?
5) Dumb question possibly, but do tortoises like baths? I groom all of my littles and I wasn't sure if I should give him a little bath, wipe his nails, little spikes, shell, etc. I over pamper, I'm one of thoooose people.
Spring and summer... totally got him taken care of and he seems to be getting comfortable in his new digs and enjoys tormenting the cats. But for fall and winter... I'm lost. :-(