Hi my tortoise is too young at 4 to hibernate and as previously suggested I have put him in an open cage environment with heat lamps to prevent him constantly turning over.

As it is colder now does he need under floor heating as someone suggested or straw in his bedding area to stay warm. 

Hi,

Providing they have had a good summer to gain weight and they not had any problems from hatching through pre-hibernation, we hibernate our hatchlings here from the very first year as they would in the wild. The only thing I would say is that in an artificial environment, hatchling can occur later in the year, so best not not hibernate late hatchlings. At 4 years old, providing he/she has not expeienced any problems, there is no reason why your tortoise cannot hibernate. Best not to use straw as it is dusty and has sharp edges which can cause eye infections. Soil in the best substrate. I would ensure the ambient temperature (room temp) isn't too cold. This can be achived by moving your tortoise to a warmer room.

Here are some links that may help:-

Care Sheets: http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/80.asp

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

HTH
Darren

Hi Darren
Keya is 4 and this will be her first time hibernating, do you think I should put her into a cold room rather than the fridge?
Thanks
Jane, Keya & Molly

Hi Jane,

Putting her in a cold room where the temps will vary and may move towards 10deg is a bit risky as she won't actually be in hibernation and will use up vital reserves. Also she may drift in and out of hibernation, which isn't adviseable. I would be inclined to go for the fridge

Hope you're well
Darren

Hi Darren
Yes I am fine thank you, getting prepared for the  hibernation period sorry I misunderstood your reply to the previous post, and thought you were advising them to put the tort in a box in a room, obviously I wasn't paying attention  
Hope everything is well with you. Are there any events coming up that the TPG will be doing? would be nice to meet everyone.
Take Care
Jane, Keya & Molly 

Hi Jane,
That's OK - not a problem at all:-) Everything is good here thanks. Putting all ours in the fridge tomorrow as we're off to Kenya for a couple of weeks on a two day safari, to do some diving and catch a few rays of sun.
Will have to try and sort something for next summer if we have enough people interested in coming along?

TC
Darren

Wow, have a great time. Yes it would be good if a gathering could take place

Safe journey

Jane