Is my Hermann tortoise trying to hibernate?
In the wild, a tortoise will actually be preparing for hibernation almost as soon as the last one ends! A tortoise must build up sufficient reserves of body fat, vitamins and water over the summer to last over winter. This means that you should not think about hibernation as it gets colder, but during summertime.
What months do Hermann tortoises hibernate?
August is a good time to start monitoring this. Its strongly recommended you have your tortoise health checked by a vet to make sure it has no problems prior to hibernation. Hibernation usually begins around November.
What is the maximum recommended length of hibernation for a Hermann’s tortoise?
These guidelines are intended for those using fridge hibernation only. Latest veterinary advice is to hibernate tortoises for no more than 3 – 3.5 months. At Tortoise Bnb we recommend 6 weeks for a first timer, increasing in annual steps to a maximum of 14 weeks.
Is it good for a Hermann tortoise to go into hibernation?
Some keepers do hibernate their Hermanns and claim it is beneficial, reducing the tendency to grow too fast and also that the tortoise is more active after hibernation. Many keepers here try to make things as natural as possible and prefer to feed plants and weeds we grow in our garden, and hibernation is part of this too.
What should the temperature be in a Hermann’s tortoise enclosure?
Temperature is a key concern when building any type of tortoise habitat, tortoise setup, or tortoise enclosure. Hermann’s tortoise habitats require a similar temperature variant as other Testudo family species. Using a heat emitter, or Mercury Vapor lamp works well to provide a 95 degree hot spot during the daytime.
What’s the difference between hibernation and brumation for tortoises?
Hibernation isn’t an entirely accurate term for what torts do. It’s actually more accurate to say that tortoises, along with many other reptiles, brumate. Brumation is a set of different physiological changes than hibernation. Of course, you can still call it hibernating and nobody will think any less of you.
How long does a spur thigh tortoise hibernate?
Basically any species that isn’t tropical! Mediterranean species such as Hermann’s and Spur Thigh tortoises, as well as Russian tortoises and species native to North America all hibernate for between several weeks to several months of the year. How Old Should My Tortoise Be Before Hibernating?
