Mia Joyce
New Member
Hello everyone! I have a 2 year old horsefield tortoise named Newton. Over the past three weeks he has completely stopped eating and is sleeping all the time, only waking up if pestered enough (which I don't want to do) but then going straight back to sleep when putting him back down again. Due to him not eating he isn't getting his calcium intake so his shell is beginning to soften. He is far too young and small to be hibernating. Is this what he is attempting to do? I have talked to my friend who owns several tortoises and she said that even in hibernation they will wake up with an increase of warmth and regular baths. I have tried this and he immediately walks away from the light or out of his bath (with his eyes still closed), no matter how many times I try. I am concerned that either he is: a. attempting hibernation and won't make it due to the fact he is too young, or b. he is sick and will die. I am very worried. Is there anyway to wake him up from hibernation? I still want to try even if he isn't doing this. I have taken him to the vet and they were concerned, but couldn't look at him properly saying I would need a specialist. I don't have enough money to do this. Should I be expecting the worst, or is there any chance I can save my baby?