Help with weight for hibernation

11amc · 20-11-2007, 01:45 PM

I have a Herman tortoise who is 65mm in length and weighs 56g at the moment but has been up to 58g. I am hoping to hibernate him but am confused over some advice. If I compare his weight ratio on the jackson scale he appears to be underwight and shouldn't be hibernated. If you use the other method of diving weight by length e.g 56 divided by 65 divided by 65 divided by 65 you get 20 which is seen an an ideal weight for hibernation. Any views please and is he heavy enough to hibernate. He is otherwise fit and well and has never had any health problems.

Thanks

Adrian

**egyptiandan64** · 20-11-2007, 04:14 PM

Hi Adrian,
He should weigh about 65g by the scale for juvenile tortoises. Has he been wound down already?

Danny

11amc · 20-11-2007, 04:57 PM

It depends on which scale you use and trust. Not sure which one is the best to use. One suggests he is heavy enough and the Jackson scale not so.

**egyptiandan64** · 20-11-2007, 05:29 PM

This is the scale I was going by.

http://forums.shelledwarriors.co.uk/...pic.php?t=1004
I didn't know there was a second one.
Could you post a link to the second one?

Danny

11amc · 20-11-2007, 05:52 PM

I don't have a link but much is mentioned about it on other forums. It is sometimes referred to as the other Jackson Ratio scale (not sure if this is its proper name). You measure the carpace and weigh your tortoise. You then divide the weight by the length or carpace as I have done above. An ideal ratio is about 19 or 20 and over 21 is seen as over weight. The problem I have is that one method puts my tortoise at an ideal weight for hibernation and the other as underweight so I am confused and a little concerned at this stage.

Adrian

sandy · 20-11-2007, 06:50 PM

When using the Jackson Ratio its the plasteron measurement you need. Put a piece of paper
on the floor, put the tortoise against a flat surface. Push against flat surface (head in of course)
then mark at tail end. Measure the distance, and you have the length.
Certainly not the carapace when using the Jackson Ratio.

helen1 · 20-11-2007, 07:14 PM

I am sure the other calculation entails using the SCL length.

**Eire_Ade** · 20-11-2007, 09:55 PM

Hi Adrian,

I think I would be using the jackson ratio itself no the calculus one you mentioned, and if underweight do not hibernate.

Always better to be safe than sorry.

Ade

11amc · 20-11-2007, 10:22 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will over winter this year and be on the safe side.

20-11-2007, 01:45 PM	#1
11amc Junior Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4	Help with weight for hibernation I have a Herman tortoise who is 65mm in length and weighs 56g at the moment but has been up to 58g. I am hoping to hibernate him but am confused over some advice. If I compare his weight ratio on the jackson scale he appears to be underwight and shouldn't be hibernated. If you use the other method of diving weight by length e.g 56 divided by 65 divided by 65 divided by 65 you get 20 which is seen an an ideal weight for hibernation. Any views please and is he heavy enough to hibernate. He is otherwise fit and well and has never had any health problems. Thanks Adrian

20-11-2007, 04:14 PM	#2
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	Hi Adrian, He should weigh about 65g by the scale for juvenile tortoises. Has he been wound down already? Danny __________________

20-11-2007, 05:29 PM	#4
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	This is the scale I was going by. http://forums.shelledwarriors.co.uk/...pic.php?t=1004 I didn't know there was a second one. Could you post a link to the second one? Danny __________________

20-11-2007, 06:50 PM	#6
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	When using the Jackson Ratio its the plasteron measurement you need. Put a piece of paper on the floor, put the tortoise against a flat surface. Push against flat surface (head in of course) then mark at tail end. Measure the distance, and you have the length. Certainly not the carapace when using the Jackson Ratio. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

20-11-2007, 07:14 PM	#7
helen1 Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NORTH WEST Posts: 1,977	I am sure the other calculation entails using the SCL length. __________________ I CARE FOR TORTS

20-11-2007, 04:57 PM	#3
11amc Junior Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4	It depends on which scale you use and trust. Not sure which one is the best to use. One suggests he is heavy enough and the Jackson scale not so.

20-11-2007, 05:52 PM	#5
11amc Junior Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4	I don't have a link but much is mentioned about it on other forums. It is sometimes referred to as the other Jackson Ratio scale (not sure if this is its proper name). You measure the carpace and weigh your tortoise. You then divide the weight by the length or carpace as I have done above. An ideal ratio is about 19 or 20 and over 21 is seen as over weight. The problem I have is that one method puts my tortoise at an ideal weight for hibernation and the other as underweight so I am confused and a little concerned at this stage. Adrian

20-11-2007, 09:55 PM	#8
Eire_Ade Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,422	Hi Adrian, I think I would be using the jackson ratio itself no the calculus one you mentioned, and if underweight do not hibernate. Always better to be safe than sorry. Ade __________________ Ade ----------------------------------------------- Y.O.B 1971 (40 years young! ) My Tortoises :- Dug (Testudo Graeca Ibera Terrestris (Syrian), Penny, JJ (JennyJack), Buttons and Gem (Testudo Graeca Ibera)

20-11-2007, 10:22 PM	#9
11amc Junior Member Egg Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 4	Thanks for the advice. I will over winter this year and be on the safe side.

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