05-11-2016, 05:53 PM | #11 | |
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05-11-2016, 08:15 PM | #12 | |
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I started by asking a joiner to make me a house ..... he called it a glorified rabbit hutch... but I asked for a double skin so that it could be insulated.... and no base. The site for the house (tort lodge) was dug 4ft deep, insulated with breeze blocks and insulation blocks and lined with pond liner. Heating during hibernation clicks in when temps drop to 5 degrees..... but then after that you have control to increase heat x X X x hugs x X |
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06-11-2016, 11:33 AM | #13 |
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mine just bury down in the greenhouse into a soil shingly mix, and I close the door, and cover the insides so the sun doesn't warm them up - no heat and they all come out on the same day to whatever the weather offers, usually when its 12 degrees - again no heat, totally natural. It then gives me an indication when to get the others up. what a meaney I am but then the good old British weather dictates the food growth etc and for me personally artificial heat can make them more active than perhaps they should or need to be. The torts in my conservatory do get heat lamps though if required. I do monitor avidly though - weather station also to avoid any mishaps. Well over 20 years with no heat, just greenhouses and hothouses! Not saying that's ideal its just how it is and they seem to thrive. CB
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Horsfields, Spur Thighed, & Marginata |
23-11-2016, 09:03 PM | #14 |
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I have decided to hibernate Hettie for a short period (8 weeks) and have been winding her down over the past 3 weeks. I have not been providing any food, but she has had a bath every 2 or 3 days to maintain hydration.
I shall be using the fridge hibernation method, as I have a spare fridge which I have been monitoring and is a constant 5 degrees. For those that use this method, can I ask about the box you use for hibernation. I have read a few suggestions and wanted to know people's opinions. I was thinking I would double box (Cardboard), but was unsure whether to use soil or soil/sand mix or shredded paper for Hettie to bury in. However, I have just read that some just use a single plastic lunch. With air holes in of course!! Also, I understand that it is necessary to open the fridge every few days to ensure there is a good level of oxygen. But how often do you tend to weigh your tort? And what should I look for? Should I also examine her and what should I look for? Thank you all.
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Gemma 1 Hermanns Tortoise - Hettie |
24-11-2016, 08:28 AM | #15 | |
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And look for urination in the box, a runny nose and sunken eyes. All these would need you to get the tortoise up straight away:0)
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28-11-2016, 02:14 PM | #16 | |
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Keith Testudo hermanni boettgeri 1:0:0 Jerry Maffz |
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29-11-2016, 08:56 PM | #17 |
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Hello Keith
I remember this from last year. I was very impressed with your posts and was very tempted to follow suit. This year I am trying to be semi natural, if there is such a thing. I will have to see how they get on. Although a worry going well so far.
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Jan Horsfields - Bertie & Beatrice |
29-11-2016, 09:28 PM | #18 |
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I remember to because Jerry finished off the lemonade ! no ice though, CB
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Horsfields, Spur Thighed, & Marginata |
30-11-2016, 01:18 PM | #19 |
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Will be interested to hear about your "semi natural" approach, Jan. I think the natural path taken by Sandy and Stella is the way I will go with Jerry eventually..He'll be in the fridge again this year though. I'm starting wind down a little later this year, so I can get Christmas out of the way before bringing his fridge in from the garage!
He's demanded brandy this year, CB!
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Keith Testudo hermanni boettgeri 1:0:0 Jerry Maffz |
30-11-2016, 06:33 PM | #20 |
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Brandy indeed! He is obviously moving to naughty juvenile behaviour quickly....
I will make sure I post all the details with how it went in a couple of months. Basically I have a high water table here, so natural is impossible. Together with a big mole problem. While they have been indoors the moles have been up in their garden area 11 times. I will have to be the mad woman jumping up and down in the spring - they do not like vibration.
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Jan Horsfields - Bertie & Beatrice |
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