Help please

[grasstrees]

I have been starving the tortoise pre-hibernation and for two weeks they have gone without food. Two 75+ year old spur thighed and two 40+ year old spurs. They are in a small greenhouse with red lights to stop the temperature falling too much. I was ready to place in the fridge tomorrow but my neighbour came in today and fed them! She gave them carrots and tomatoes. They were ravenous as one might expect!
What do I do? Do I starve again for two weeks or should I continue to feed for a while.
Help appreciated
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[sandy]

Originally Posted by grasstrees

I have been starving the tortoise pre-hibernation and for two weeks they have gone without food. Two 75+ year old spur thighed and two 40+ year old spurs. They are in a small greenhouse with red lights to stop the temperature falling too much. I was ready to place in the fridge tomorrow but my neighbour came in today and fed them! She gave them carrots and tomatoes. They were ravenous as one might expect!
What do I do? Do I starve again for two weeks or should I continue to feed for a while.
Help appreciated
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

They don't just have to starve. They been one week of normal temperatures for tortoises, so they can digest any food in their stomachs. No food during this time. But water available. The next week gradually reduce heat by an hour each end of the day. No food but water available.
Then gradually reduce temps until no heat or extra light. They then should be ready for hibernation.

[grasstrees]

Thanks Sandy
Sorry 'starving' was incorrect description. They are in the garden so the temperature has been falling. The red light is to ensure they are frost free as we have had a couple of hard frosts here in North Wales. I'm just worried that my neighbour's kindness will throw the hibernating countdown...Should I increase the temperature now so they can digest the food they have eaten?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[sandy]

Originally Posted by grasstrees

Thanks Sandy
Sorry 'starving' was incorrect description. They are in the garden so the temperature has been falling. The red light is to ensure they are frost free as we have had a couple of hard frosts here in North Wales. I'm just worried that my neighbour's kindness will throw the hibernating countdown...Should I increase the temperature now so they can digest the food they have eaten?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

Yes I would start the windown for hibernation again:0)
As two weeks was not really enough time to clear out adult tortoises systems.

[CherryBrandy]

welcome. maybe keep an eye on any poops, make sure its all gone through the system and weight also good indicator. Trouble with those foods they may need a good deal of processing. If he was on the grass with plenty of clover and had a nibble maybe a little different - keep an eye and may report back if unsure, CB