Hi,

Im a very new Hermann owner and hibernation scares the life out of me! I asked the shop where the tortise was brought for me advice on hibernating and he said that i dont have to hibernate little Frankie (which i know should be done) but he said he had spoken to a reptile vet and he said that though it will shorten his life it would only be about 5years and the tortise can live between 70 and 100 it wont make much difference.

what does everythink about this I want to do the best for little Frankie but scared i will do it wrong and what if he doesnt wake up. Would i be cruel not to hibernate?

Hi, hibernation is scary to all tort owners, even experienced owners!

But hibernation is natural to torts and they do benefit from it.  Try not to worry, we have guidance notes on the left for you to read through before you start, and we are all here to offer lots of help and advice when the time comes.

Regards Vivienne

Thank you I will keep reading! he hatched in 2007 when should he be ready?

Thanks for all advice for my never ending questions!!

In the wild they hibernate the first year, so as he is 3yrs it would be ok for him to hibernate.   Just make sure you keep a weight record.

Regards Vivienne