Hello from Southern California with 2 Desert Torts

[Rapid Fire Mama]

Hello! My name is Anna and I have 2 Desert Torts that were rescued as hatchlings. They were very sickly and near death upon rescue and were nursed back to health by a friend for the first year of their lives. We adopted them when they were about a year old and have had them for two years now, making them approximately 3 years old. They are hibernating for the first time and are about ready to come out as it is warming up here. I am researching enclosure ideas as they have outgrown their previous one.

Any tips for waking these little guys up? I know to offer water first. I don't want to shock them and just put them back outside if they aren't ready. How do I know?

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. We have quite a few members that can help you.

 

[dmmj]

Not to sound simplistic, but the tortoises will know when it is time. They will become active, start roaming. Oh yes they will want to eat

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello Anna welcome to the TFO from AZ . All of mine are out today . But tonight it will be in the 50's so they aren't ready to eat yet . Mine are kept outside . But I gave them clean water.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Anna, and welcome to the forum!

My desert tortoises live outside. After I un-block their shelter door in the spring, they just come out on their own, and start eating and drinking whenever they're ready.

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome. I have three desert tortoise also. I only had them for few months.

I learned a lot by checking out the desert torts section as the link below. Welcome! ! ! This is the great place to learn and share.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/north-american-tortoises-genus-gopherus.72/

 

[ascott]

Hello! My name is Anna and I have 2 Desert Torts that were rescued as hatchlings. They were very sickly and near death upon rescue and were nursed back to health by a friend for the first year of their lives. We adopted them when they were about a year old and have had them for two years now, making them approximately 3 years old. They are hibernating for the first time and are about ready to come out as it is warming up here. I am researching enclosure ideas as they have outgrown their previous one.

Any tips for waking these little guys up? I know to offer water first. I don't want to shock them and just put them back outside if they aren't ready. How do I know?

Welcome...where are they brumating? Indoors or out?

 

[TortsNTurtles]

Welcome!

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

Welcome Anna! Congrats on hosting your two little ones.
They get fidgety and are awake more than slumbering sleepy.
I assume because they are so little that you have them in a box rather than outdoors.
A nice tepid soak would be lovely for them if they are indeed up and ready to get to spring.

 

[pam]

Welcome