8 replies to this topic

[JenB]

Hi everyone, I'm a bit worried about Hank. He isn't eating very much and he seems to be sleepy, he keeps going to bed under his plantpot in the middle of the day / late afternoon.
Temps are OK and he is being offered plants and weeds to eat as well. Is he just being lazy? Preparing for hibernation (he has never hibernated) or is he not well?

Jen xx

[Graham]

Hi, Jen. I shouldn't be too worried if I were you; with the season changing, torts are now beginning to slow down. Indeed, Harry is going this way too, spending more time in his house and becoming much less active. I've noticed it's always the same at this time each year.
I'm sure other members will be experiencing the same.

[JenB]

Hi, thanks. Ive been waiting for a reply all day lol. Will he be like that even though he has never hibernated before?

[Graham]

Yes, it's completely natural for tortoises to prepare whether they've hibernated before or not, it's in their genetic make-up. You'll find he'll get progressively slower and less active in the coming weeks.
Hibernation is perfectly normal for torts, but can be worrying for us keepers, especially the first time, although as long as you follow the guidelines, particularly regarding wind-down, everything will be ok. Post any concerns you might have, and we will help you.

[wizzasmum]

Totally agree. Horsfields especially often disappear underground altogether in September regardless of the weather. Other Med species will show this natural slowing down process. It's the reason I take my hols in October most years, once they've stopped feeding but with time to do a general check before they go to sleep completely in November

[JenB]

Wow so I've been stressing and he is just naturally tired lol.
OK so if he is starting to prepare do I need to start doing something? I've read about it on the main site but don't now where to look for a reliable step by step process really?

[Graham]

This is a good general guide, Jen:

 

http://www.thetortoi...bernation04.htm

 

Please feel free to ask for any help you may need, we're only too happy to help.

[wizzasmum]

There's one here www.tortsmad.com/hibernation.htm which I use, plus there's one on this site too.

[JenB]

Amazing, thank you xxxxx