When should my tortoise go into hibernation?
You should start thinking about hibernation around mid-August. Tortoisetrust.com suggest that if your tortoise isn’t healthy enough to hibernate by the end of August, then it won’t be healthy enough to begin hibernation a few months later.
How long can a tortoise last without food?
On top of that, some tortoise species are able to undergo hibernation or brumation, which can significantly lessen their need for food. 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.
Why did my tortoise stop eating while on holiday?
Tortilla was staying at my mums for 2 weeks while I went on holiday. She stopped eating a day before we picked her up. We just assumed she was full. But she hasn’t ate much since she’s got back home. She’ll have a little munch, but not eat how she used to.
What happens when a tortoise can’t see its food?
The effect is identical to that seen in frozen water pipes. Tortoises which have suffered damage of this sort cannot see, and a tortoise whose vision is impaired will rarely feed. Such animals frequently appear disorientated and may move in circles.
Is there a tortoise that won’t poop?
We have a sulcata desert tortoise and she hasn’t pooped. It seems like its been a few weeks since she has pooped normally. She is still eating (some) and not acting too terribly sick. My wife works for a vet and she took her in, and they x-rayed her and she is really backed up with poop, but they didn’t see any eggs or anything other than poop.
When to call the vet for a tortoise?
If your efforts prove futile, then it’s time to call the vet, both because of the potential for death by malnutrition and/or the underlying reason for it in the first place. The reason for a tortoise to be put off its food tends to stem from one of the following:
How long can a tortoise go without eating?
When it comes to how long a tortoise can go without eating there is a broad range of time, based on several factors. The short and quick answer is that a tortoise can go anywhere from 6 months to 3 years without eating. Like I said, a broad range.
When does a tortoise go into hibernation do they stop eating?
Tortoises will stop eating in the days or even weeks before they go into hibernation. It is very important that they do so because they are cleaning out their intestines in preparation.
How often should I Feed my tortoise a day?
Some experts suggest feeding your tortoise five days a week and withholding for two days. The schedule of the feedings doesn’t matter. You can have the two days of withholding back-to-back, or you can spread them out through the rest of the week. Pick a schedule that works for you and it will automatically work for your tortoise.
Why is my captive tortoise not eating anything?
Often the cause of not eating in captive tortoises is dehydration. All of my tortoises will eat within a few minutes of being given a bath. Here is a photo of my tortoises having their daily bath. This is more than sufficient to get them 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. We have a full article on how long a tortoise can go without water here, how long can a water go without water?.
