Does my Greek tortoise need to hibernate?
If the temperature begins to approach 10 degrees, your tortoise will start using up valuable energy reserves that it needs to hibernate safely. If the temperature drops below 3 degrees, your tortoise could become ill or die from being too cold.
Do Golden Greek Tortoises hibernate?
These tortoises form a type of pecking order when kept in groups. They also require a hibernation period of 4-5 months (typically they will do this from October to March). Once they have come out of hibernation they will readily begin feeding and breeding.
Do I need to hibernate my tortoise?
Tortoises should only hibernate if they’re in good physical shape. Feeding them a healthy, balanced diet during the summer months can help them prepare for their long sleep. You’ll need to decide around the middle of August if your pet is in the right physical shape for hibernation.
Can you hold a Greek tortoise?
Greek Tortoise Handling and Temperament Similar to most turtles and tortoises, Greek tortoises do not like to be held. They should be picked up only when absolutely necessary, such as prior to being soaked, cleaning of the enclosure and health checks.
Are Greek tortoises good pets?
Native to Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwest Asia, Greek tortoises are commonly kept as pets, and their affable personalities make them enjoyable companions. They’re generally easygoing pets, as long as owners meet their specific care needs.
What happens if I don’t hibernate my horsefield tortoise?
The breeds of tortoise that hibernate do so for health reasons. Irregular hibernation will adversely affect the tortoise’s health and lifespan. Most Mediterranean breeds are biologically set to hibernate for a period of time; it is unnatural for tortoises to be awake and eating 365 days a year.
How heavy does a Greek tortoise get?
This species can measure up to 30 cm (12 in) in length (or more) with a maximum weight of approximately 6 kg (13 lb).
How long can a Greek tortoise go without eating?
In general, a healthy adult tortoise can live for as much as 6 months to 3 years without food, provided that they have access to drinking water and their other needs are met.
When do Greek tortoises go into hibernation?
For example, some subspecies of Greek tortoises which thrive in colder climates hibernate during the time of year when temperatures are lowest, while other subspecies do not hibernate and settle in warmer areas because they cannot withstand cold temperatures.
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?
What’s the best way to wake a tortoise from hibernation?
How to wake a tortoise from hibernation. Whether you’ve decided to use the box method or the fridge method you will need to gradually wake your tortoise up. The best way to do this is to place the tortoise in its box in a warm room for around an hour. Once the tortoise begins to warm up it will begin to move around.
Can a Greek tortoise be kept in captivity?
However, many species of tortoises, including the Greek tortoise, are unable to swim and must be kept solely on land. In order to thrive, Greek tortoises need to spend lots of time outdoors, even in captivity, and have plenty of exposure to full sunlight.
What kind of tortoise goes into hibernation in winter?
The hibernation period can vary from age to age. However, it also depends upon the species of the tortoises. few species which do hibernation are the Mediterranean tortoise, Russian tortoise, Herman’s tortoise, Greek tortoises, Kinixy tortoise Gopher tortoises. Do tortoises hibernate in winter?
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?
Do you have to bathe a tortoise before hibernation?
Whilst food is taken off the menu in the run up to hibernation, water most certainly is not. In fact you’ll need to make sure your tortoise has a full bladder before they have their long sleep, therefore daily bathing is essential to ensure the maximum uptake of water.
When to stop providing food to a tortoise?
In around mid October you should start to look for signs of lethargy in your tortoise; he’ll probably be moving around less, and perhaps eating less food than usual. As soon as this happens you’ll need to cease providing further food for a further two weeks if the tortoise is under 3 years old, and a further month if they are over 3 years old.
Do Greek spur thighed tortoises hibernate?
The species of tortoise that hibernate are: the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca), Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo Hermanni), Horsfield’s tortoise (Testudo Horsfieldi), the marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata) and Kleinmann’s tortoise (Testudo Kleinmanni).
How much is a golden Greek tortoise?
$429.00 – $599.95 Sale!
How big will a spur thighed tortoise get?
Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise. The average size of these tortoises is 8 inches in length (20 cm).
Irregular hibernation will adversely affect the tortoise’s health and lifespan. Most Mediterranean breeds are biologically set to hibernate for a period of time; it is unnatural for tortoises to be awake and eating 365 days a year.
How long do Greek tortoises live?
kleinmanni), the marginated tortoise (T. marginata), and the Russian tortoise (A. horsfieldii). The Greek tortoise is a very long-lived animal, achieving a lifespan upwards of 125 years, with some unverified reports up to 200 years.
