Hibernating

[cherylahutch]

Just wondering to myself about hibernating tortoises. Not something I've ever done think I would be too scared to get it wrong but what do zoo's do with there's any one know? Do they hibernate them? Does everyone hibernate there's? I do feel I may be opening a can of worms here but and genuinely interested in what others do with there's.

[Merlin M]

that is a good question, never though about what zoos do...
I hibernate mine, I use the fridge so I can monitor them easily and know they are safe from things like rodents... I still really worry about them... but this is a cold flat so find it easier than overwintering as I would worry that they would get too cold...
I far from think it is important to hibernate them, it is all the choice of the keeper, different things work for different people, for example I could keep them in a viv, but then they would be far too warm in the summer when the flat gets really hot! so I believe for me hibernating is the best option, but that is not so for everyone!

[sandy]

Originally Posted by cherylahutch

Just wondering to myself about hibernating tortoises. Not something I've ever done think I would be too scared to get it wrong but what do zoo's do with there's any one know? Do they hibernate them? Does everyone hibernate there's? I do feel I may be opening a can of worms here but and genuinely interested in what others do with there's.

Zoo can hibernate if they wated to, as they use the large walk in fridges.
I know "animal park zoo" sorry the name wont come for it, they use their large fridges to hibernate their tortoises.
I have hibernated my tortoises for the last 34yrs, and not lost a tortoise to hibernation yet.
If done correctly its not a problem, only for the keeper. Its stressful the first time, but after that its a doddel :0)

[Suze65]

Originally Posted by sandy

Zoo can hibernate if they wated to, as they use the large walk in fridges.
I know "animal park zoo" sorry the name wont come for it, they use their large fridges to hibernate their tortoises.
I have hibernated my tortoises for the last 34yrs, and not lost a tortoise to hibernation yet.
If done correctly its not a problem, only for the keeper. Its stressful the first time, but after that its a doddel :0)

Me too, 40 years, I've been doing it. Agreed on all points.

[emma_mcraf]

I overwinter. I'm not against hibernation but I made a decision not to after researching both sides thoroughly. I'd feel wretched if I lost a tort in hibernation.
It's a personal decision Cheryl. Do what you feel is best for you and your torts. x

[cherylahutch]

I don't do it like I said mainly because I would be scared to but also they are my pets and I like having them around. I was just really interested what zoos do. I'm going to blackpool zoo on Sunday to see the tortoises might ask if I see a keeper

[Levi]

Originally Posted by cherylahutch

I was just really interested what zoos do. I'm going to blackpool zoo on Sunday to see the tortoises might ask if I see a keeper

Longleat use large drink chiller cabinets (as Sandy has already mentioned ), 5°C, 4% max weightloss.

I went out and bought a fridge after watching the Longleat keepers checking their hibernating tortoises on the TV programme. Later I bought a digital thermostat to control said fridge, for me this is so much better than box hibernating and relying on nature to supply a suitable temperature that isn't too high or too low.

It was actually warmer here mid winter than it is now.

(and no rats etc to worry about with fridge hibernation as Merlin has already mentioned )

[yuna1971]

I have a sense this thread is going to go into the red corner and blue corner scenario again and Cheryl's question will get buried at the back..lol xx

[cherylahutch]

Originally Posted by yuna1971

I have a sense this thread is going to go into the red corner and blue corner scenario again and Cheryl's question will get buried at the back..lol xx

Probably true but a good debate is fine lol

[yuna1971]

I agreexx