Hi Guys,

I'm over wintering all my torts this year (something I've not done before). Can someone tell me whether they're supposed to eat every day and whats a healthy weight lose. As you can probably gather from my question I'm already having probs and we've not even reached mid October yet. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Hi Winnie
I have over wintered my young one for 3 years and this is what I have been doing. Feed every other day or cut the food right down, keep the temps as, 22c cool area 30-32c basking area. In the past I have suffered with lack of humidity so I am working it on this year, by spraying the substrate each night and the rest I am open for advice on myself too. Weights should be within the Ratio weights the same as always, so any weight loss won't be like when they are in hibernation. hope this has helped until someone else can offer their experience too
Jane Keya & Molly

Hi Winnie,

Over-wintering is often more hassle than hibernation, particularly if they've hibernated before. Their body-clocks take over. How come you've decided not to let them go down this year - thought you were all set?:-)

Hi Darren,

My 2 new torts I've only had since July and they've come in a bit low on the macintyre ratio. Stevie D, my male who I've had for nearly 17 months now (oh how time flys) is on antibiotics from vet so can't fridge him either. I don't like this over wintering lark. My adult female (one of the new ones) is giving me so much grief I don't know what else to do ?. I've done what's been suggested, upped the heat and lengthened the light and she still won't eat and is losing weight. If she carries on like this there'll be nowt left of her by spring. She's in with a 3 year old who is still munchin' and moochin' Any suggestions?????? 

Hi Winnie,

Sometimes when they want to go, it's impossible to stop them and may result in them wasting away. We have no option but to go with the flow:-)

Hi Winnie,

My Horsfields have been a nightmare and ive given up trying to keep them going, my hatchling who is only 2 months old has also slowed right down. Darren is right it is almost impossible to keep them awake as its programmed in them to hibernate. Obviously the one on antibiotics should be overwintered and kept extra warm especially when on the medication.

Ali

Ali, if she's low weight wise, which she is, do I just go ahead with the hibernation and check her weight weekly as you would do?. I'm thinking I may as well fridge them both. Is it a 3 week wind down for a 3 year old and how long can they go down for. Thanks for the help guys, I feel like I'm really struggling this year trying to over winter these two. Stevie D was much better behaved last year but this year he's staying up with me, bless 'im.

Winnie