When do you Hibernate ?

[Bikewatch2000]

Hi there

I understand that different tortoise species have different hibernation periods, but looking at most care sheets it would appear that most require a minimum of approx 10 weeks.

Being well aware of the fluctuating weather patterns we have here in the UK and the fact that our seasons now appear slightly out of sync (warmer autumn/winters and colder springs).

My question is when do people start to prepare for hibernation, i.e. the 4 week winding down period ?

When would you aim to have your tort hibernating by ?

I do understand that everyones answers will be subjective and that there are many variables to be taken into consideration. Which is why i'm looking at it as "window of opportunity" rather than a "Best Before Date".

As this seems to be the only bit of info missing from most hibernation care sheets.

Thanks

Tony

[purplepixie]

My adults start winding themselves down at about the end of October, this is done by them eating less themselves, and mainly coming out to graze occasionally and basking. I give them a couple of weeks in the GH with heat and no food, just to make sure they are empty. They hibernate in the GH until they decide to come up, and the soil temps are warm enough.
Hatchlings I windown at the beginning of December, using the adult windown, but over three weeks rather than four. They get eight weeks hibernation, if they are ok after this time, I give them another week or two depending on the temps outside.

[den_bish]

Do you do 8 weeks hibernation for hatchings / juveniles that have never been hibernated before as well Purple?
I was lead to believe that they would only need 4-6 weeks for the first time. I have not hibernated him for the past 2 years due to illness but would like to give it a go next year and this would be his first hibernation. Your thoughts and advice welcomed.

[purplepixie]

You need at least eight weeks hibernation to make it all worth the effort.
I have done this for the last 30yrs with no problems.
I would also windown tortoises from 30gms to 37-350ish for three weeks, for their first hibernation, anything above I would use the four week windown.
If you have a tortoise that has had previous illness and now ok, but your still worried, then I would still windown for three/four weeks depending on the size. But monitor very carefully, if they are still ok (not loosing too much weight, no signs of rns and no sunken eyes or eye discharge or unrination) then hibernate for eight weeks, at anytime during this time you see any of the in bracket symptoms, then just get them up. And get them warmed through and through.
Passing a poo during hibernation (if the correct instructions have been followed and duration ) then its not a problem, as the food would have come from the intestines not the stomach.

[invisiblejohn]

found this care sheet on the subject hope it helps, very informative.

Jacqui Patersons Blog Archive Hibernate Your Tortoise ?

[purplepixie]

I just wonder what this vet thinks younger than five year old tortoises do in the wild?
They hibernate, I find that piece of info astounding for a vet to say.
Unless this vet is from the US, as it seems they dont hibernate tortoises there. As not to many desert tortoises here in the UK

[invisiblejohn]

I am not that clued up on tortoises I know there are a lot of different opinions on hibernation. I just thought this article might help. I am always trawling internet for interesting articles.

John

[annsimpson1]

that maybe interesting but its not what I call hibernation and to be honest all its doing is adding to the confusion and worry most new owners have.

[purplepixie]

My thoughts too Ann, and as I have said not too many UK sites mention desert tortoises.

[den_bish]

Originally Posted by purplepixie

You need at least eight weeks hibernation to make it all worth the effort.
I have done this for the last 30yrs with no problems.
I would also windown tortoises from 30gms to 37-350ish for three weeks, for their first hibernation, anything above I would use the four week windown.
If you have a tortoise that has had previous illness and now ok, but your still worried, then I would still windown for three/four weeks depending on the size. But monitor very carefully, if they are still ok (not loosing too much weight, no signs of rns and no sunken eyes or eye discharge or unrination) then hibernate for eight weeks, at anytime during this time you see any of the in bracket symptoms, then just get them up. And get them warmed through and through.
Passing a poo during hibernation (if the correct instructions have been followed and duration ) then its not a problem, as the food would have come from the intestines not the stomach.

Thanks for that - very helpful, will certainly remember where you are when next year rolls around!