03-01-2012, 12:07 AM | #1 |
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Incubating
Join Date: May 2009
Location: huntingdon (uk)
Posts: 131
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hibernate
hello i always hibernate my tortoise but i just want too ask everyone thought on it does everyone hibernate or not ?
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03-01-2012, 12:11 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Devon
Posts: 11,364
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I think it's a personal choice and there's numerous threads on here reflecting people's thoughts and decisions.
Personally, I've decided to overwinter but I'm not against hibernation. Obviously it works well for so many. I've got the lighting, heating and feeding sorted throughout the winter months and my four torts are awake and lively. They don't display any adverse effects so I'm happy with overwintering.
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Emma Testudo Hermanni 5.12.2:Theo, Tamara, Tabitha, Harriet, Isabelle, Clara, Oscar, Hugo, Oliver, Florence, Arabella, Esmé, Aurelia, Felicia, Claudia, Atticus, Celestia, Amaris, Tristan and Clementine Budgies: Jasper, Ivo, Otis, Henry, Louie and Luca Doggies: 1.1.0 Chester and Lottie |
03-01-2012, 12:15 AM | #3 |
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Hatchling
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 507
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I have never hibernated. At first I didn't do it because my tort was ill then when he was given the all clear by the vet I couldn't do it! He is nearly 13 years now and I have had him since he was 6 months old.
I have the fridge sitting in the shed waiting, I have the video and book from TT but I can't bring myself to do it. I know I probably should but he never slows down during the year and overwintering him now is just the norm for me. Maybe one year I will feel brave and do it!! Gwen |
03-01-2012, 12:26 AM | #4 |
Member
Incubating
Join Date: May 2009
Location: huntingdon (uk)
Posts: 131
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gwen when you over winter him does he still grow and put on weight or does it take him a lot longer to grow and put on weight ?
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03-01-2012, 01:41 AM | #5 |
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Juvenile
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South East
Posts: 845
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This is a very "hot" subject. Basically there are those for and those against. If you have had your tortoise some time now, then think about it for next year. Some folks get very anxious, so for them it is best not to hibernate their tortoises. Most of my adults and juveniles are asleep, the hatchlings are not being hibernated this year. It's up to the individual to make up their own mind what they want to do. Just don't get into an argument about it on here as some have very strong opinions!
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03-01-2012, 11:22 AM | #6 |
Member
Hatchling
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Scotland
Posts: 507
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I have never been concerned about sam's weight when he is being overwintered. It has always been stable. At the moment he is 140 mm and weighs 574 gms. He is always active.
Gwen |
03-01-2012, 01:02 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
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I was going to hibernate my 2 THH but 1 was slightly under weight, so decided to leave it this year. I will make sure they are both healthy & up to weight for next winter now.
Marg. |
03-01-2012, 01:57 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: central s england
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If you have a lot of them it can be the only option for healthy adults unless you have a mansion and a very big Bank balance! Hatchlings and unwell/underweight tortoises shouldn't be hibernated.
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03-01-2012, 02:05 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Warwick
Posts: 1,303
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Me too Marg as discussed, all my 3 are up and lively but hopes for next winter! My preference is to hibernate.
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Karin Spartacus, THB, March 2013 Henry, THB, July 2008 |
05-01-2012, 01:36 PM | #10 |
Member
Incubating
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I had planned to but after reading EJ's thoughts on hibernation I changed my mind.
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