Hibernating multiple tortoises

[groutmanshaun]

Hi all,
I have 4 horsefields and this year I'm wanting to hibernate them all. How do I do it? and do they all go separate or together?

 

[jaizei]

Separate is probably best.

 

[THBfriend]

Where and how do you plan to hibernate them, and how old are they? Younger tortoises that live together can also hibernate together, provided they still have enough space to turn and move a bit without disturbing their neighbors.
The documents at the bottom of this page provide some good information on tortoise hibernation.

 

[Tom]

I put each one in its own hibernation box.

I don't have time to type it all up right now. Its not a hard thing to do, but there are few steps that make a big difference in success or failure.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

I'd suggest separating them. Posting pics of your torts as well as their enclosures would enables the experts here help you more.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

And don't forget about safety.
I've heard a few horror stories about rats eating hibernating tortoises.

 

[Yvonne G]

This might not work for everyone, but it works for me. I have 1.4 Russian tortoises that live outside in a large yard. When it comes time to set them up for hibernation, I bring them in and place them in a covered, insulated 4x4 cinder block spot on my car port area. It has two long hiding places, a thick layer of substrate and when closed, is dark. They usually scramble around for a couple weeks but then as the weather cools, they dig in and settle down. In the spring I prop the lid open and as they wake up I soak them then put them back outside.

 

[Jodie]

I put each one in its own hibernation box.

I don't have time to type it all up right now. Its not a hard thing to do, but there are few steps that make a big difference in success or failure.

Here is one of the threads you typed the answer in. I now have this bookmarked. Tom's response is on page 2.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...ernate-everyones-thoughts-please.16440/page-2

 

[groutmanshaun]

Thanks everyone they all live together and range from 2 years to 4 year's. Which is beat box or fridge

 

[Tom]

Here is one of the threads you typed the answer in. I now have this bookmarked. Tom's response is on page 2.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...ernate-everyones-thoughts-please.16440/page-2

Man that was an old one from 2010. I've typed updated ones a few times since then. I now use a fridge. 55 degrees worked fine for CDTs and Tegus, but the russians need it colder and consistently colder.

 

[Tom]

Thanks everyone they all live together and range from 2 years to 4 year's. Which is beat box or fridge

Fridge. Without question.