Hi Everyone,

I have posted once on your site - its Michelle regarding hibernating hermans tortoises.

I think im ready to start - if someone is willing to talk me through the process.

Usually my 12yr old Hermans hibernates herself in the garden - but reading this site - with regards to the wet weather - id rather her not. She seems however, to be slowing down and is starting to dig - so im assuming that she is preparing herself.......

Im heading towards the fridge method - but seeing as both my eldest hermans spend most of their time in the garden - im not sure how to wind-then-down - its easier if you have them inside - and you can control their heat/light etc..... but when they spend their time roaming round the garden - im unsure who to do this.

I do have a tortoise weigh-in next Saturday - run by the BCS but i will need all the help i can. My other torts are about 3/4 - and are currently in a home made tortoise table - they also seem to come out to eat - a quick warm - and then go into their shelter to bury.

Bizare how they know - but im being brave and going to hibernate them too.

Im scared people ......... i will be totally heartbroken if i loose any in hibernation.

Well ........ after all the books ive read and sites ive scanned - none of them say "Start hibernating in the month of" .......

So .... all help welcome please ....

Many thanks,

An Anxious Michelle from Bristol

Hi Michelle,

I dont think theres a person out there not worried about hibernating their tortoise especially with the bad summer we have had and the lack of sunshine for our tortoises not to mention ourselves. <g> Some of my tortoises have also decided its time to hibernate and once they have it in their heads there is no stopping them.

I think you are very wise not to let them hibernate outside and a good hibernation means they will benefit so much more in the long run.

I have been using the fridge method for many years now and i swear by it as do alot of other members on here. Before you start you need to go through the wind down procedure, here is a link to help you

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/files/Winddownprocedure.pdf

Also you need to have a good reliable (larder) fridge and get it set up and running at least a week before your tortoises are ready for hibernation. The TPG have a guide to fridge hibernation that is easy to read and understand, here is the link

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/78.asp

We are always here to help and talk you through anything you need to know so please ask if you need too.

Regards

Ali