1st time hibernating

[MJM]

My tortoise is nine years old and this is his first time attempting hibernation. I cut food for two weeks and started reducing his UV and bathe him every day, once he stopped going to the toilet and going in his water bowl, I placed him in a insulated box and popped some paper shavings over him he has been in our shed for a week at temperatures ranging from 0 to 12 degrees Celsius. But he isn’t asleep yet, he is cold and has only moved once. I’m now worried that he’s not going to hibernate. And I’m just basically starving him and keeping him cold, feel like I’m being cruel, should I just bring him back in and give up? I’m not sure what to do.

My main question is how long before they fall asleep? Thanks.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

They aren’t necessarily unconscious the whole time, @Tom might be able to explain better here and answer your concerns

This is his brumation thread to look over in the meantime

Tom's Brumation Thread

Every fall we get bombarded here on the forum with all sorts of questions and problems regarding hibernation and tortoises "slowing down" for winter. The purpose of this thread is to talk about all aspects of this subject, to dispel some of the myths and mysteries, and give a "how to" list of...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Does the temperature fluctuate in the shed?

 

[Tom]

My tortoise is nine years old and this is his first time attempting hibernation. I cut food for two weeks and started reducing his UV and bathe him every day, once he stopped going to the toilet and going in his water bowl, I placed him in a insulated box and popped some paper shavings over him he has been in our shed for a week at temperatures ranging from 0 to 12 degrees Celsius. But he isn’t asleep yet, he is cold and has only moved once. I’m now worried that he’s not going to hibernate. And I’m just basically starving him and keeping him cold, feel like I’m being cruel, should I just bring him back in and give up? I’m not sure what to do.

My main question is how long before they fall asleep? Thanks.

0C is too cold. 12C is much too warm. Read the thread in post #2 for more explanation.

 

[MJM]

Thank you, that has helped lots. I thought they were unconscious!!

 

[MJM]

Does the temperature fluctuate in the shed?

A little but he feels cold, am looking to get a fridge. But do you think he is okay, if cold but moves his head when I open this insulated box? Is that brumation

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

A little but he feels cold, am looking to get a fridge. But do you think he is okay, if cold but moves his head when I open this insulated box? Is that brumation

A fridge would be a good idea. As Tom pointed out, temperature fluctuations from 0C to 12C are not good. You need to get the temperatures more stable, safe range, and a fridge is the best method for that.

 

[MJM]

Thanks guys