Hi - We have a spur thighed tortoise who is approx 1 year old. We've only had her for two months and she has been fine. She is inside in a tortoise table with a proper lamp, a week ago she buried herself half way up her shell in the soil/sand and has not moved since, she is in the covered compartment with hay on top of her.  I have phoned the reptile centre where we purchased her and they have said leave her to do what she wants to. I have also read so much conflicting advise on the Internet. Someone says she is too young to hibernate? Others say try and wake her up by placing her in warm water? Please could someone give us the correct information. Our house is not very warm but we have keep the lamp on her table everyday and the temperature is usually about 70 degrees. 

Hello,

Thanks Tom for your reply. The lamp is a basking lamp that was sold to us with the table. The temperature of 70 degrees is in the table but the opposite end to the lamp. I have mislaid the certificate but she is a Mediterranean Spur Thighed Tortiose from Turkey. If you could advise us what to do that would be great - thank you - regards Marie 

The temp. needs to be taken at tort. level Marie. A digital thermometer with a probe on a cable is best.

Thank you Tom so much for your advise. I have been back to the reptile centre and purchased a 'viv' for our little friend. I explained the issue to them and they apologised for selling me the wrong bulb! I am going to keep the tortoise table for when the weather is warmer. I've found the certificate and it says Testudo graeca from Turkey. I am setting the 'viv' up this morning so I will let you know how she gets on in her 'new house' - thanks again for all your help. It's nice to know there are people out there that know what they are talking about! 

Sorry Marie,