hibernation benefits - Page 2

EJ · 15-07-2007, 04:19 PM

With a little research you will find that not all populations of a given species will hibernate because the necessity is not there throughout it's natural range. Some examples are Red Eared Sliders among other water turtles. T. graeca, Red Foots, Leopards and Desert tortoises are a few examples of tortoises.

I always suggest to let your tortoise dictate if it is inclined to hibernate. If it is not... don't force it.

helen1 · 15-07-2007, 04:32 PM

A very contentious subject- I agree that there are sound arguements for both hibernating and not hibernating. The science of it can point in both directions, I have read so much on tortoise care from so many books/sites etc and have come to the conclusion that for some things it comes down to personal choice. I personally hibernate mine from year dot. It is so cold outside here in the north that I doubt that I would have enough space for 10 adult torts to have a "nice" "natural enviroment as well as 6 babies-I love to see them roam the garden in the morning after a good warm-up and our winters dont allow that!! Do as you feel best and do not worry re over feeding etc if they are mobile surely they use up the excess energy, when not hibernated?

Helen

autumnique · 15-07-2007, 06:25 PM

I agree with a few others on this thread-the thought of hibernation is really scary

Ive decided not to hibernate Squirtle this year but will do next x

Caroline McI · 15-07-2007, 06:43 PM

I think someone should start hiber - camp so those of us who are scared
can deposit our wee ones then pick them up when they are awake

autumnique · 15-07-2007, 06:47 PM

what a great idea Caroline x*giggles*

Caroline McI · 15-07-2007, 06:51 PM

You never know

(begs someone to do it)

sandy · 15-07-2007, 07:42 PM

Over growth is another reason for hibernating torts.
Hibernation is part of the normal life cycle of tortoises, and should be done. All who hibernate
their tortoises feel exactly like you, scared. But they know it is for the tortoises health, not the
keepers peace of mind.
I have been hibernating torts for 28yrs and never lost a tortoise in hibernation.
Lots of friendly folk here to help you through.

EJ · 15-07-2007, 07:46 PM

This is not quite true. As I mentioned with the species above. Some do hibernate and some do not. Of course those that do not do tend to be larger but this is totally natural. It all depends on the available environmental conditions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandy

Over growth is another reason for hibernating torts.
Hibernation is part of the normal life cycle of tortoises, and should be done. All who hibernate
their tortoises feel exactly like you, scared. But they know it is for the tortoises health, not the
keepers peace of mind.
I have been hibernating torts for 28yrs and never lost a tortoise in hibernation.
Lots of friendly folk here to help you through.

autumnique · 15-07-2007, 07:47 PM

Thats reassuring to know Sandy

the whole idea is so scary-the fridge method seems popular but that seems even more daunting.If it benefits the torts then it should be done

kaz9t9 · 15-07-2007, 07:49 PM

im hibernating this year for the first time and im terrified as well. however i know its in their best interests so i'll just grit my teeth and do it

15-07-2007, 04:19 PM	#11
EJ Senior Member Adult Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 8,277	hibernation With a little research you will find that not all populations of a given species will hibernate because the necessity is not there throughout it's natural range. Some examples are Red Eared Sliders among other water turtles. T. graeca, Red Foots, Leopards and Desert tortoises are a few examples of tortoises. I always suggest to let your tortoise dictate if it is inclined to hibernate. If it is not... don't force it. __________________ Ed Tortoise Keerpers @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tortoise_Keepers and http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/284442591651347/ Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

15-07-2007, 04:32 PM	#12
helen1 Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NORTH WEST Posts: 1,977	A very contentious subject- I agree that there are sound arguements for both hibernating and not hibernating. The science of it can point in both directions, I have read so much on tortoise care from so many books/sites etc and have come to the conclusion that for some things it comes down to personal choice. I personally hibernate mine from year dot. It is so cold outside here in the north that I doubt that I would have enough space for 10 adult torts to have a "nice" "natural enviroment as well as 6 babies-I love to see them roam the garden in the morning after a good warm-up and our winters dont allow that!! Do as you feel best and do not worry re over feeding etc if they are mobile surely they use up the excess energy, when not hibernated? Helen __________________ I CARE FOR TORTS

15-07-2007, 06:25 PM	#13
autumnique Member Hatched Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Telford Shropshire Posts: 475	I agree with a few others on this thread-the thought of hibernation is really scaryIve decided not to hibernate Squirtle this year but will do next x

15-07-2007, 06:43 PM	#14
Caroline McI Member Hatchling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Scotland, moved to Sussex (sunnier for Cookie) Posts: 649	I think someone should start hiber - camp so those of us who are scared can deposit our wee ones then pick them up when they are awake __________________ *********************** Love me, love Cookie R.I.P Lottie, we miss you x

15-07-2007, 06:51 PM	#16
Caroline McI Member Hatchling Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Scotland, moved to Sussex (sunnier for Cookie) Posts: 649	You never know (begs someone to do it) __________________ *********************** Love me, love Cookie R.I.P Lottie, we miss you x

15-07-2007, 06:47 PM	#15
autumnique Member Hatched Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Telford Shropshire Posts: 475	what a great idea Caroline xgiggles

15-07-2007, 07:42 PM	#17
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	Over growth is another reason for hibernating torts. Hibernation is part of the normal life cycle of tortoises, and should be done. All who hibernate their tortoises feel exactly like you, scared. But they know it is for the tortoises health, not the keepers peace of mind. I have been hibernating torts for 28yrs and never lost a tortoise in hibernation. Lots of friendly folk here to help you through. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

15-07-2007, 07:47 PM	#19
autumnique Member Hatched Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Telford Shropshire Posts: 475	Thats reassuring to know Sandy the whole idea is so scary-the fridge method seems popular but that seems even more daunting.If it benefits the torts then it should be done

15-07-2007, 07:49 PM	#20
kaz9t9 Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: southend-on-sea Posts: 1,449	im hibernating this year for the first time and im terrified as well. however i know its in their best interests so i'll just grit my teeth and do it __________________ Kristy

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)