how old to hibernate

[sola]

Hi

I was wondering how old does a tortaoise have to be to hibernate.

what is the best method to use.

thanks

sola

[fatfecker]

Tortoises can hibernate from hatchlings, I have a Jackson ratio for hatchlings somewhere, I'll see if I can dig it out.

I tend to give mine quite a short hibernation in the fridge (about 8 weeks), increasing a week for every year of their life, The Tortoise Trust have a comprensive list of articles for hibernation Here aswell as different methods.

[sola]

thanks

[Paul B]

Wow my tortoises would asleep forever if i did that. All four of them are over 50.
As adults i let my torts hibernate naturally as the seasons change. In October on a sunny day they will venture out for a wander until it gets cold enough to put them under. Then I shut them away in their Kennel in the garage until the weather warms up in March or April.
You must be sure your torts are well and parasite free before hibernation. Weight them in the spring then if they have put on an appreciable amount of weight over the summer they should be fine to go By Byes.

[fatfecker]

heh, I do cap the hibernation at about 16 weeks for the adults and I monitor their weight during hibernation.

I can't find the juvenile Jacksons ratio on the web, I'm sure I have a copy at home though, I'll check tonight.

[purplepixie]

My tortoises choose how long they hibernate, as they dig down naturally in my greenhouse. So they come up when its warm enough.
Very young ones I box up, as they need a shorter hibernation sometimes. It all depends on how much weight they lose. If they dont lose weight then they stay down a little longer, depending on the weather.

[sola]

Hi

I would like to say a big thanks to everyone.

Its the one thing i'm not looking forward too.

thanks

sola

[GreenTea]

Hi, here's a link to the hatchling jackson ratio

View image: Hatchlingjacksonratio.jpg

[Bindi]

Originally Posted by sola

Hi

I would like to say a big thanks to everyone.

Its the one thing i'm not looking forward too.

thanks

sola

Everyone gets the jitters at hibernation time, even some of the seasoned pros! I'm sure there will be plenty of help and advice around when the time comes, so enjoy the summer!