Quote:
Originally Posted by Zen ton
Hi
Please could someone help the type of tortoise which has outlived my parents and now I'm going to be responsible for.
I have a video I took two years ago (it does include a comedy scream when the tortoise gets close to the camera)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NAdEn_phkjw
I'd need some hibernation tips too but I shall look in the forum for those as I don't know whether a box in the garage with straw and packing is the safest method for hibernating a tortoise?
Thanks |
Definitely a graeca graeca:0)
Hibernation is not always as easy as you think.
They need to empty their stomachs before doing so.
My ibera (kept the same as graecas) are wound down.
They have heat on the first week. NO FOOD, but water available.
Week two, gradually reduce heat by an hour each end of the day. NO FOOD, but water available.
Week three should be well on the way for them slowing down big time. Again NO FOOD. but water available.
By week four your tortoises stomach should be empty and no extra heat at all. And should be ready to hibernate.
Bathing during this time is needed too.
There are three ways to hibernate a tortoise.
Firstly boxing them up. They need somewhere where temps are stable. And dont go below 5c or above 10c. As frost can really damage tortoises or kill.
Two is to use a fridge with the above temps. But tested well before doing so, as fridge temps can fluctuate drastically if not monitored regularly.
I now let my tortoises bury down in my green house soil. With a GH heater to stop temps getting to low.
If you go to
www.thetortoisehouse.com you will find great hibernation info.