A California desert tortoise adopted us almost 50 years ago. As the years pasted there have been no issues with hibernation until we relocated in October 2020. During the move he emptied his bladder and started hibernating. Knowing an empty bladder can cause death during hibernation, I slowly woke him up to the point he was walking around and then then put him in a warm water bath. He stayed still for 30 minutes with his mouth at water level but I could not see him swallow. After that he started moving around so I removed him from the water. The concerns and questions I have:
1) Is there a way to tell if a tortoise is dehydrated?
2) Is it safe to slowly wake a hibernating tortoise multiple times? I assume not, but I'm concerned he not have enough water in his bladder.
Any guidance and/or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
1) Is there a way to tell if a tortoise is dehydrated?
2) Is it safe to slowly wake a hibernating tortoise multiple times? I assume not, but I'm concerned he not have enough water in his bladder.
Any guidance and/or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!