Too young for hibernation?

retrophile · 07-07-2011, 08:57 AM

Hi,

My marginated Benedict will be 1 year old on 15 August. I've read mixed opinion on whether I should hibernate him or not. I have only had him 1 week and have read that it's around about end of August when they start to slow down to hibernate. Should I encourage this and allow him to hibernate at this age or is it recommended that I wait until at least next year? Again, I have seen a lot of conflicting information about what to do and I am inexperienced (but learning more and more). I just want to know I am doing the right thing.

Any expert advice is appreciated.

Steph

**Alan1** · 07-07-2011, 09:30 AM

well they would hibernate in the wild from year one but it might be wise to wait until next year since you haven't had it long.. if hibernation is what you want

retrophile · 07-07-2011, 09:57 AM

I've read threads on forums from people who do not hibernate their tortoises.

I don't want to start a new debate as I'm sure it's already been done many times.

Just not sure what would be best for Benedict.

Are there any breeders/keepers of Marginated torts with some expert advice?

NATURALIS · 07-07-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caledonia

well they would hibernate in the wild from year one but it might be wise to wait until next year since you haven't had it long.. if hibernation is what you want

my thought's too

burnt toast · 07-07-2011, 10:26 AM

I would say Chris/redfoot marge is an expert & he has kept Marginated's, so you got his advise above.

Im not an expert but I do have Margies. One of mine decided to hibernate the first year I got her, much to my horror as I hadnt given it that much thought but I contacted the breeder who suggested I was being cruel keeping her awake & told me exactly how to wind her down etc. She was 18 months old & had apparently done it before!

The general rule is not to hibernate any tort the first year you get them as they are still settling in & your observing them to make sure their healthy. I only let mine as she was from a known source who assurred me she was fine.

I do find Margies have a strong hibernation instinct, stronger than my Hermans. There is loads & loads of info out there & on this forum about this subject so if you have a few cold nights to kill draw up a chair, it goes on & on!:

TortBabe · 07-07-2011, 12:13 PM

I personally would overwinter this year, its best to get to know your tortoise

LincsBren · 07-07-2011, 07:54 PM

Thanks Steph for starting this topic, I'll be getting my babies in September and was thinking I wouldn't hibernate them this year, but am not sure about next year (when they'll be 1yr).

EJ · 08-07-2011, 10:12 AM

If you don't want to start a debate... why not read through all the post that hash and rehash the topic. That should give you some idea of which route to take.

I'm not going to hibernate mine until they are big enough to breed. I've got 10.

Quote:

Originally Posted by retrophile

I've read threads on forums from people who do not hibernate their tortoises.

I don't want to start a new debate as I'm sure it's already been done many times.

Just not sure what would be best for Benedict.

Are there any breeders/keepers of Marginated torts with some expert advice?

07-07-2011, 08:57 AM	#1
retrophile Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Just outside Glasgow Posts: 53	Too young for hibernation? Hi, My marginated Benedict will be 1 year old on 15 August. I've read mixed opinion on whether I should hibernate him or not. I have only had him 1 week and have read that it's around about end of August when they start to slow down to hibernate. Should I encourage this and allow him to hibernate at this age or is it recommended that I wait until at least next year? Again, I have seen a lot of conflicting information about what to do and I am inexperienced (but learning more and more). I just want to know I am doing the right thing. Any expert advice is appreciated. Steph

07-07-2011, 12:13 PM	#6
TortBabe Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 6,919	I personally would overwinter this year, its best to get to know your tortoise __________________ Busy Mum to ~ 2 Kids, 2 Yorkies, 1 Horsfield, 6 Hermanns, 2 Iberas, 6 Tunisians, 2 Indian Stars and 2 Pancakes

07-07-2011, 07:54 PM	#7
LincsBren Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Lincolnshire Posts: 128	Thanks Steph for starting this topic, I'll be getting my babies in September and was thinking I wouldn't hibernate them this year, but am not sure about next year (when they'll be 1yr). __________________ Slave to the ark... 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, 2 gerbils and... 2 testudo hermanni boettgeri... sex tbc!

07-07-2011, 09:30 AM	#2
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	well they would hibernate in the wild from year one but it might be wise to wait until next year since you haven't had it long.. if hibernation is what you want

07-07-2011, 09:57 AM	#3
retrophile Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Just outside Glasgow Posts: 53	I've read threads on forums from people who do not hibernate their tortoises. I don't want to start a new debate as I'm sure it's already been done many times. Just not sure what would be best for Benedict. Are there any breeders/keepers of Marginated torts with some expert advice?

07-07-2011, 10:26 AM	#5
burnt toast Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5,245	I would say Chris/redfoot marge is an expert & he has kept Marginated's, so you got his advise above. Im not an expert but I do have Margies. One of mine decided to hibernate the first year I got her, much to my horror as I hadnt given it that much thought but I contacted the breeder who suggested I was being cruel keeping her awake & told me exactly how to wind her down etc. She was 18 months old & had apparently done it before! The general rule is not to hibernate any tort the first year you get them as they are still settling in & your observing them to make sure their healthy. I only let mine as she was from a known source who assurred me she was fine. I do find Margies have a strong hibernation instinct, stronger than my Hermans. There is loads & loads of info out there & on this forum about this subject so if you have a few cold nights to kill draw up a chair, it goes on & on!:

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