Hello,
This is the first year I've had my tortoise. He's 2 years old and I've just finished 2.5 weeks of wind-down with no food.
His Jackson ratio at the beginning was 0.20, but now is 0.183. Has he lost too much weight? Does the Jackson ratio apply to the moment before he goes to sleep or the before the wind down?
All advice much appreciated!
India

Hello,
How long have you had the tortoise ?
Which species is it ?
Can you post it's weight record since acquisition please ?
The "J...... Ratio" is only a guide, it cannot be used for all species or young specimens of any species.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Tom

Hello,
Thanks for your reply! I've had the tortoise since March, but I know he successfully hibernated the year before. Its a Hermanns tortoise.
I didnt write it down, but in March I think he weighed about 75g. Then 109g 2 and a half weeks ago and now 94g. He's 8cm long now.
The other issue is his shell is not smooth - the octagons all stick up a little, but having looked at pictures of other young Hermanns tortoises I dont think its much more than the usual...I'm not sure if that is an indicator of his health for hibernation or not though...
Regards,
India

Hello India,
I'm assuming you've 'wound down' outside in this warmer than average October weather, since in a 'table' indoors, plus a UVB bulb on (in part) daily, 7 - 12 days is sufficient.*
Regardless of the above, since you don't have a weekly weight record since March & the drop in weight even on the 21st, was substantial, my advice is to recommence feeding. Play it safe.
In addition to the 3 week 'fast', I suggest that you again 'wind down' in late December & hibernate it for 2 months. I'm assuming that it puts on plenty of weight in the next 2 months.
Don't worry about the slightly raised scutes.
Finally, by keeping your own dated weight records, the "Jackson's ratio" becomes irrelevant.
Regards
Tom
*personal opinion.