Odd behaviour.

[Cuclean]

Hey guys, quick question please.

I'm starting the wind down for my two Hermann's torts. The younger of the two seems happy to wait it out before hibernation. I've been giving them no food so that they can void their systems before the big sleep. The problem is the older one (This is her second hibernation) seems much more active. I have desert sand on the tort table and a drinking tray that they can walk into. Now the older one is getting sand into the water dish and she's started trying to eat it. I don't know if this is normal? I keep trying to move her off the tray and clean it out but she seems stubborn. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Or is there something else I should be doing?

Any help would be appreciated.

[purplepixie]

I would remove the sand, and if you have too just use news paper. Or sand and soil.

[Cuclean]

I've removed most of the sand and replaced the drinking tray with a stone one. I've also put down newspaper on the whole table except for their hide. Now the older one is trying to eat the newspaper. It's flattened though so it can get it's mouth at it. It might eventually though.