Tortoises-when do they hibernate?

bankadan


Joined: 14/12/2007
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 09:45

The first year we had them, when should they be brought indoors for hibernation?

TIA

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 10:24

Hi bankadan



Do they hibernate here?? I know they do in the uk from Oct to March ish, but I think they stay awake for as long as the temp is around 70 so it may only be a short time here. I know that when we were kids (oooohhhh so long ago) and you could still get them at the pet shop, we were told not to hibernate them till they were 2 years old just take them indoors. Also a tip I do remember is to rinse out their mouths before they sleep so any food left in there doesnt rot. Cooo the things that stick in your head eh.

You need a reply from someone who has kept them here. Sorry cant be more help.

Tinkie


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 1256

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 10:31

My parents have a tortoise, who must be around 5ish now. Then have an enclosure for her, which has a tunnel, made of a half pipe which is full of olive leaves, she digs herself down deep in to it around october time, but on really warm days she still comes out. I think that this year she was back out on and off in feb-mar time. There has been no mouth washing tho and she had done ok so far!

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 10:33

I bet his breath smells though

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 15:01

Bakandan as yours are this years babies do not let them hibernate, they are too small, just bring them inside for the winter but dont let them go to sleep, if you are worried they are getting too cold just put a lamp over them and that will provide enough heat to keep them going.