hi everyone,

    This year is going to be the first time my tortoises will be going to go into hibernation. My tortoises are both 2 years old and im planing to use the fridge method of hibernation :) i was just wondering when the ideal time to put them into hibernation is and how long for ?

thanks hannah

Hi Hannah

The beauty with fridge hibernation is that you can do it to suit your timetable - with my youngsters, I prefer to keep them going a bit longer through the autumn, start winding them down at the beginning of Dec, and then into the fridge at the beginnning of Jan - that way, when I get them up March/April, the weather is starting to pick up again, and the weeds are growing :)  As far as duration goes, if you aim for at least 8 weeks, and maybe to a max of about 10 that will be about right for a first time.  Monitor weights throughout the hibernation period, and always be prepared tp get them up if they lose more weight than you are comfrtable with.  There is a lot of information in the hibernation section here:-

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

and people here on the forum are always happy to help with any questions you have.

HTH

All the best

Arlene TPG

Hi Hannah,

I also have 2 juveniles which i'm hibernating for the first time.What fridge are you using as i've read so much & I'm just not sure which would be best?!

Tilli