Tortoise Hibernation - How to guide - tips and tricks for new & old keepers Pet tortoise winter care

[@micksmusicchannel]

Absolutely refreshing to hear someone else who knows what they're talking about. From another owner of leopard, Horsfield, Hermann and spurthigh. 👍

[@peachesschnapps2590]

Thank you so much for making these videos, I really struggled to find good information, your videos are by far the most informative, thank you so much 🙏

[@tortoise_matters]

Thank you I will try and find time to do more this year :) If you fancy a full nerd out there is a tortoise weekend in May. www.turtlesurvival.eu/new-events. There are also owner events if you don't mind having a holiday in Norfolk. www.tortoiseclub.org/events

[@marcsalmon626]

This is a superb video, thank you very much for this. Hibernating my tortoise for the first time is a bit daunting but this has given me a bit if confidence.

[@tortoise_matters]

So pleased it’s had the desired effect! Good luck and best wishes!

[@nayhem7]

Thanks for sharing, I've really enjoyed your videos and my little tort has started his first hibernation this year based on your advice. Feeling much less anxious, hoping he'll enjoy his rest!

[@kresimirkalman6113]

nice video! my couple of testudo hermani 2 years old went to first hibernation in their life on balcony in huge plant pot (more like raised bed). They are covered in layers of soil, dried grass, they dig themselves on they own when temperatures dropped and sun begin to be lower. Outside is during night around -1c. I now realize that I made mistake by not hydrate them and not to make sure that they clean their gut. And I thought they could rise in march, but obviously I will need to wake them up any time soon since they sleep for about month.

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi as long as it’s a shelter balcony which doesn’t get full fun then an insulated planter could work. If you were feeding a high fibre diet before hibernation then it’s less dangerous than if you were feeding bought produce such as veg, salad, fruit or meat as these are more likely to turn lethally toxic in a tortoises gut in hibernation. Neither are good, but this is the worst. As it’s e first year a shorter period is well worth considers so tortoises and yourself can adjust gently.

[@jimothyh]

Thanks for putting the recording up as I missed the live stream! Am hibernating our 2 year old iberas for the first time this year so this has answered most of my questions. One quick one though: I am planning on keeping them in a stone cole-store which is currently about 8-9 degrees but it is a little damp. Does this matter if they are safely secured in a wood or plastic box?

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi slight moisture in hibernation is fine. You don’t want them to be sopping wet but in the wild they hibernate in slightly damp soil. Too wet and it would make them sick. The slightly high humidity will actually help the tortoise in hibernation. If you were going to a fridge hibernation without soil I would recommend a bowl of water on the fridge shelf separate from tortoise for the same reason.

[@naynay7773]

WOW, a fab and very informative video. Loads of my questions have been answered BUT...i have a 3yr old female Horsfield in my first year of ownership. I wasn't intending hibernating as i feel I'm still learning the basics. Some days she's quite active and another day needs waking and placing under her lamp. I'm obviously learning as much about hibernation as i can in case the natural pull is too much but how do i simulate at the very least winter as you mentioned. I've separate UVB/heat on 12hrs a day, so would i reduce the light time and basking temp??? Or would this make her decide to hibernate is shes borderline already?? SORRY for the long winded question xx

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi if you and tortoiae haven’t hibernated before then going very short is probably a good idea. 12hrs is a very long day so maybe slip that down to 8-10 gradually. Lower that further if you choose to wind down for a mini sleep. Even if it’s only 10 days this year it’s a good start. Hope this helps. If you are based in the UK aim for sometime in jan or feb when the weather is at its most miserable.

[@CrescentCanine]

Question , can you hibernate disabled tortoise? My poor boy has mbd

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi each case is different. It depends on the extent of the metabolic bone disease. Also how long ago diet was corrected. Work with a knowledgeable specialist to discuss whether a short period would be beneficial. If you email tortoiseclub.Org with a photo they may be able to advise further. If a tortoise has lost a limb this shouldn't be reason to not hibernate as long as the tortoise is fully healed. Just remember you density weights would be off with a missing limb ;) whatever you decide I would recommend a period of shorter days of light and heat. Reduced feeding and activity to replicate a winter season. One of the worst things you can do is keep a tortoise red hot all year round. All tortoise should be allowed a season flux to replicate nature and help prevent strain on their bodies.

[@drastamat1]

Hello, I live in Canada, Toronto. I have a subspecies of Greek Tortoise and was wondering if I could do the hibernation in my garage. I actually put my cactus there and they don’t freeze (not sure about the exact temperature over the winter). I was thinking to hibernate them for 2-3 months in a plastic box with lid which has holes on top, full of soil and mulch or leaves. I was also thinking to put some food and water just in case and monitor them daily. I can maybe do the fasting in November for 3 to 4 weeks and then 2-3 months of hibernation? The thing with refrigerator I’m doubtful as in nature we don’t have a steady temperature. I kept tortoise back home in my backyard for almost 30 years and the temperature varies in winter. He goes underground in mid or late fall and comes out in late March. But there’s no harsh winter that’s why I’m thinking about garage… What’s your idea?

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi Drast, apologies I have only just seen this message. I hope hibernation plans went ok. It reads like you were making the right considerations. unfortunately with modern winter temperature fluxes it can be hard to be sure you are staying a safe 4-8c in hibernation which is why may are switching to fridges now. Tech can help a little with max min thermometers which can help track the temperatures 24hrs a day. An example is here amzn.to/3VBxAjm

[@agrn3241]

We have a 2 year-old Horsefield. He didn't hibernate last winter, but over the past week has gradually stopped eating and coming out to his UV lamp. I guess he wants to hibernate. If we hibernate him, I want to make sure he doesn't have food in his stomach. Not sure how to proceed from here. Should I keep waking him up to bath (as that's usually when he poops) and stop feeding?

[@chrispenny7880]

Thank you for another great video. We are thinking of hibernating our 4yr old marginated for the first time but very nervous about it. I’m worried he’s underweight, currently 20.5cm in length and 1307g. Based on your ratio it’s 0.15. Should we still try and hibernate for a short period in Jan/Feb? We are based in South East UK.

[@tortoise_matters]

sincerest apologies i missed this post. Bone density may come out a little odd with a marginated due to the longer shape. Ratio only acts as a guide too :) Not sure how you got on last year, but if your tortoise has had a good summer go for shorter or at the very least do a period of winter cooling for less daylight hours and food.

[@qiarra]

We have a tortoise living in garden , she came out of hibernation 3 days ago although it's still cold (11° during day) And she's not eating She's in green house, in warmest corner ,covered herself slightly with soil What can I do to help her?

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi if you are in the UK it’s good to bring the tortoise into the house overnight so she doesn’t drop too low while it’s still cool. Daily slightly warm bathes in a washing up bowl for 20minutes and access to a white basking lamp will all help. You can also obtain a liquid booster supplement called reptoboost from Amazon. If you want to message me via my website I’d be happy to advise further and or have a chat. Www.tortoisematters.com

[@qiarra]

@@tortoise_matters thank you

[@chloecastillo397]

Question can I give my tortoise water during hibernate? I have a California Dessert Tortoise.

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi my video is specifically for European species, but as a general rule fluids should be steadily provided throughout the year ane build up to hibernation only.

[@miketaylor6046]

Hello! My horsefield is around 14 and has never been properly hibernated. He lives indoors in a vivarium but gets outside here in Scotland wherever the weather is nice. After watching your videos and doing some research we do want to hibernate him. He already goes through "go slow" periods. Do you have any advice on his first hibernation?

[@tortoise_matters]

Hi, Mike, if you're happy that your pet is a good weight and you have no reason for concern with health, then i would recommend a gradual build on hibernation. Horsfield's are good at being active at low temperatures 5-6c and they can still be climbing around in their hibernation box. look for around 3-4c if possible so he's cool enough to sleep. At the centre we don't normally risk more than 4-6 weeks for a teen animal in good health if they have not hibernated before.If the animal more younger and more tender we would possibly only do 2-4weeks. Obviously if in any doubt you can wake him earlier by raising temp gently. you can check him daily, but at very least weekly close inspection. if he is trying to sleep anyway it sounds like you shouldn't have too many issues :) good luck :)

[@miketaylor6046]

@@tortoise_matters thanks for getting back to me!

[@leontaraldsen3518]

Is it easier to look after a tortoise in England that doesn’t hibernate? I’m thinking of either getting a spur thighed or red footed, but I’ve never owned one before. The more I learn the harder it seems to look after them 😂

[@tortoise_matters]

A med tortoise like a spur Ibera or Herman’s would be easier than a Redfoot in many respects. It may seem like a lot to learn but it’s like learning to drive. Once you’ve got the hand of it it’s a breeze ;) redfoots are lovely animals BUT they do need an insulated shed as adults and there is a bigger investment in electricity and winter quarters to consider. A lot of people struggle to cope as beginners to meet the needs of tropical as adults in a UK climate.

[@leontaraldsen3518]

@@tortoise_matters I know this might sound like a stupid question but have you ever got or known anyone to get salmonella from handling a tortoise? Also is it best to double box hibernate or fridge?

[@tortoise_matters]

@@leontaraldsen3518 salmonella is normally associated with meat eating species, but like any pet tortoises do pose disease potential. Tortoises carry a bad gut bacteria which can be transferred to owners. Always wash hands after handling. Fridges ideally should be seperate From food use for obvious reasons. Boxing up for hibernation depends on the method you go for. Some put on towel in tub and place paper on top. Some use soil and place leaves on top. Others use all paper box inside a box to create mass. Each case is different. If you get really stuck and need a chat let me know.

[@leontaraldsen3518]

@@tortoise_matters Thanks for your expert advice and I’m sorry for bombarding you with questions 😂 I really appreciate the replies, there’s not much advice for beginners in the uk online, LOVE your videos! And Tortoises do indeed matter!!😁💚

[@tortoise_matters]

@@leontaraldsen3518 good luck and feel free to send requests :)

[@ludwigsmalis1206]

Do you sell tortoises

[@tortoise_matters]

Norfolk tortoise club.Org do rehoming of adult tortoises. If you email them they can also advise on breeder options depending on what you are looking for and where you are based :)