hibernation question

sherri · 15-01-2011, 12:07 AM

hello i just wanted too ask how long is the most tortoises can stay in the fridge for what is the max time and why is that ?

Kirkie · 15-01-2011, 12:23 AM

Hi Sherri,

Whilst a tortoise is hibernating it's body is still ticking over so it does produce waste products. These are stored in the bladder and gradually buid up. If the bladder reaches capacity, the waste products start getting shifted to tissue and this is where problems with toxicity starts. This internal activity is minimal at 5 degrees C so this is why 4-5 degrees is stated as the ideal temperature for hibernation.

Personally, I haven't gone over 18 weeks but I tend to just do 12 weeks regardless of age.

15-01-2011, 12:07 AM	#1
sherri Member Incubating Join Date: May 2009 Location: huntingdon (uk) Posts: 131	hibernation question hello i just wanted too ask how long is the most tortoises can stay in the fridge for what is the max time and why is that ?

15-01-2011, 12:23 AM	#2
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	Hi Sherri, Whilst a tortoise is hibernating it's body is still ticking over so it does produce waste products. These are stored in the bladder and gradually buid up. If the bladder reaches capacity, the waste products start getting shifted to tissue and this is where problems with toxicity starts. This internal activity is minimal at 5 degrees C so this is why 4-5 degrees is stated as the ideal temperature for hibernation. Personally, I haven't gone over 18 weeks but I tend to just do 12 weeks regardless of age.

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