To hibernate or not

[Riggers]

Hi again
We've had Terry since March this year as posted by my son "PregnantWasp"
I refer to this forum lots (the answers I'm looking for are here, saves me asking in new posts) and find some advice fantastic. I'm abit stuck tho, in some posts it says to hibernate, in others it says that Greek tortoises don't hibernate in their natural countries. I don't know whether Terry was before we got him, he's 4 yrs old. If it's a must then of course I will, but at what point do I do it, what month and for how long for? I do hope I don't have to because I know I will worry about him. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Elaine

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, some Greek tortoises are natural hibernators and some aren't. It all depends upon which type you have. So take some clear pictures, looking straight down at the tortoise. We want to see his back (head included might be nice too) and his plastron - stomach.

 

[Riggers]

Pics as requested

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Hi again
We've had Terry since March this year as posted by my son "PregnantWasp"
I refer to this forum lots (the answers I'm looking for are here, saves me asking in new posts) and find some advice fantastic. I'm abit stuck tho, in some posts it says to hibernate, in others it says that Greek tortoises don't hibernate in their natural countries. I don't know whether Terry was before we got him, he's 4 yrs old. If it's a must then of course I will, but at what point do I do it, what month and for how long for? I do hope I don't have to because I know I will worry about him. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Elaine

Hibernation is absolutely not required and has several drawbacks, which is why many of us long-time (about 40 years, in my own case) tortoise-fanatics have never done so. No advantage to it, when a tortoise is a pet.

 

[Riggers]

Thanks Terry, that's a load off my mind.
Cheers Elaine