
If you're looking for tortoise boarding in Essex then we're quite the experts seeing that Hopefield Animal Sanctuary - of which we are a part of - is home to around 20 rescued tortoises. We do not take hibernating tortoises at Hopefield Boarding for Small Animals, but we're often asked for advice on this subject. We would ALWAYS recommend consulting your vet before putting your tortoise into hibernation, but to give you an idea of how to hibernate a tortoise, here are a few tips on how to do it as safely as possible...
Understand the Species: Before hibernating, make sure your tortoise species requires hibernation. Some tropical species do not hibernate. It is also not advisable to hibernate a tortoise who is under 3-years-old or not in good physical condition.
Health Check: Ensure your tortoise is healthy before hibernation. A vet check-up is ESSENTIAL to rule out any illnesses or parasites before you start the process.
Prepare the Environment: Choose a safe place to hibernate your tortoise. This should be a cool, dark spot, ideally between 38°F and 50°F (3°C and 10°C). Avoid locations like lofts or sheds where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
Reduce Food Intake: Gradually reduce your tortoise’s food intake a few weeks leading up to hibernation. This helps their digestive system empty out, reducing the risk of health issues during hibernation.
Hydration: Make sure your tortoise is well-hydrated before hibernation. Your tortoise needs a full bladder but empty bowels before they hibernate. This can be done by bathing them daily in shallow, lukewarm water for up to two weeks before hibernation. This period should be when you also start their starvation.
Hibernation Container: Use a sturdy container filled with bedding material like straw or shredded paper. Avoid pine or cedar shavings, which can be harmful. This container should be well-ventilated but secure. It should then, ideally be placed in a second container to double whammy insulation.
Monitor Temperature: Place the container in the prepared cool area. It's important to monitor the temperature regularly to ensure it stays within the recommended range.
Check Periodically: During the hibernation period, check your tortoise reguarly to ensure it's safe and healthy. Avoid waking them unless absolutely necessary.
Duration: Hibernation typically lasts between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Awakening: When it’s time to wake your tortoise, gradually increase the temperature of where they are being kept. Soak them in lukewarm water to help them rehydrate, and slowly reintroduce food.
Fridge method: This is another method of hibernation but we'll do a seperate blog on that as there are a while different set of tips!
Good luck and we can't reiterate enough to seek professional vet guidance before you hibernate your tortoise! Also, don't forget to get in touch if you are looking for tortoise boarding in Essex - we adore having tortoises come to stay!
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