Hermann Hibernation

sandra31 · 03-10-2009, 12:35 PM

hi guys

i weighed Timmy this morning, but i wanted to check if his weight and size is correct. Timmy is a 2007 hatchling, he weighs 60g and measures 67mm. i would like to hibernate him if possible, this will be my first time to attempt this and will be using the fridge method.

if he is ok to hibernate, when would be the best time to hiberate him? i was thinking maybe around nov/dec time? and try and hibernate him for at least 8 weeks?? what do you think??

you advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks

p.s i did check the jacksons ratio, but i still wasnt 100% sure ?

Star · 03-10-2009, 04:55 PM

To work out the Jackson Ration you calculate (weight divided by length x length x length) so if the weight is 60g and the length is 6.7cm, this equals 300.763 You then divide the 60g by 300.763 and you get 0.199 which on the Jackson ratio is normal and safe to hibernate.

Jackson ratio of
• Less than 0.16: An underweight tortoise needing special care.
• Of 0.17: Light for hibernation, unless an active male or an animal with unusually flared scutes.
• Of 0.19: Normal, and safe to hibernate
• Of 0.21: A very good weight, ideal condition.
• Of above 0.23: Possibly too heavy, check for puffiness (water retention)

Double check my workings as maths was one of my worst subjects

Hope this helps

Kirkie · 03-10-2009, 05:17 PM

Hi,

Your tortoise sound like an ideal weight for hibernation and as long as he/she is active, bright eyed and otherwise appears normal.

Going by the BCG formula of the jackson ration weight/Length x length x length you get 60/300.763= 0.199 very close to 0.20.

sandra31 · 03-10-2009, 06:31 PM

thanks very much guys, i feel bit better now reading that, made it much clearer to understand.

yes timmy is bright eyed and nose is clear, i will be worming him too before he goes into hibernation, just in case.

im getting a bit worried now coming up for the first time in hibernation and want to make sure i get it right!

thanks

**16 shells** · 03-10-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandra31

thanks very much guys, i feel bit better now reading that, made it much clearer to understand.

yes timmy is bright eyed and nose is clear, i will be worming him too before he goes into hibernation, just in case.

im getting a bit worried now coming up for the first time in hibernation and want to make sure i get it right!

thanks

Hi, not too sure on the worming before Hibernation, some torts take several day's to come round from a worming, may be wrong on this.
Paul

sandra31 · 03-10-2009, 10:00 PM

ok thanks 16 shells, i may to read up about that then. ta

shellonia · 05-10-2009, 11:38 AM

I agree about worming.This really needs doing when they are really active and eating loads as it is a tiny bit stressful on their systems.Always do mine June-August.Hope that helps-doubt he would have any if from a reputable breeder and he is on his own.

03-10-2009, 12:35 PM	#1
sandra31 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex Posts: 25	Hermann Hibernation hi guys i weighed Timmy this morning, but i wanted to check if his weight and size is correct. Timmy is a 2007 hatchling, he weighs 60g and measures 67mm. i would like to hibernate him if possible, this will be my first time to attempt this and will be using the fridge method. if he is ok to hibernate, when would be the best time to hiberate him? i was thinking maybe around nov/dec time? and try and hibernate him for at least 8 weeks?? what do you think?? you advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks p.s i did check the jacksons ratio, but i still wasnt 100% sure ?

03-10-2009, 04:55 PM	#2
Star Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: With My Tortoises Posts: 1,495	To work out the Jackson Ration you calculate (weight divided by length x length x length) so if the weight is 60g and the length is 6.7cm, this equals 300.763 You then divide the 60g by 300.763 and you get 0.199 which on the Jackson ratio is normal and safe to hibernate. Jackson ratio of • Less than 0.16: An underweight tortoise needing special care. • Of 0.17: Light for hibernation, unless an active male or an animal with unusually flared scutes. • Of 0.19: Normal, and safe to hibernate • Of 0.21: A very good weight, ideal condition. • Of above 0.23: Possibly too heavy, check for puffiness (water retention) Double check my workings as maths was one of my worst subjects Hope this helps __________________ 1.1./. Amazing kids 0.1./. Gorgeous Malamute 0.1./. Beautiful Cat 0.5.0. Playful T.H.H / T.H.B 11 Tropical Fish 1 Bearded Lizard Lots of Aspirin Before enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. ~Zen Buddhist Proverb

03-10-2009, 05:17 PM	#3
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	Hi, Your tortoise sound like an ideal weight for hibernation and as long as he/she is active, bright eyed and otherwise appears normal. Going by the BCG formula of the jackson ration weight/Length x length x length you get 60/300.763= 0.199 very close to 0.20.

03-10-2009, 06:31 PM	#4
sandra31 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex Posts: 25	thanks very much guys, i feel bit better now reading that, made it much clearer to understand. yes timmy is bright eyed and nose is clear, i will be worming him too before he goes into hibernation, just in case. im getting a bit worried now coming up for the first time in hibernation and want to make sure i get it right! thanks

03-10-2009, 10:00 PM	#6
sandra31 Junior Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Essex Posts: 25	ok thanks 16 shells, i may to read up about that then. ta

05-10-2009, 11:38 AM	#7
shellonia Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: central s england Posts: 1,534	I agree about worming.This really needs doing when they are really active and eating loads as it is a tiny bit stressful on their systems.Always do mine June-August.Hope that helps-doubt he would have any if from a reputable breeder and he is on his own.

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