Hi guys,
My 2 year old russian has slowed down alot the past 1,5 month. From what I understand tortoises are slowing down these days and making themselves ready to hibernate. I took mine to the vet last check to make it sure that she isn't ill. Aside a little bit of worms, which she got treated with panacure, my vet is also thinking about her urge to hibernate. I told him I don't want to hibernate her (too much risk for me as an unexperienced tortoise keeper). He gave me few tips:
- I can "half-hibernate" her. By that he means I can keep the temps on room temp (which is above 70F) and let a small basking lamp run in case my tort wants to warm up a bit.
- I can keep up the routine I'm doing now (wake her up for a 40 min warm soak) and then let her sleep. He also told me it is okay to feed her if she wants, but there has to be a hot spot if I do that.
- He did advice me to observe her weight strictly. During her 'half-hibernation' it is okay to lose some weight, but not more the 10% of her current weight.
- Just let her be. He told me it is okay to let her sleep and keep her on room temp. Some times a soak is also okay, but not necessary. Like 1- 3 times a week is alright, he says.
My vet has experience in reptile care, and also tortoises. He did cure my tort from her runny nose last year, so I trust him. I wanna know what you guys think. Is my vet correct, or do I need to take some measurements?
My 2 year old russian has slowed down alot the past 1,5 month. From what I understand tortoises are slowing down these days and making themselves ready to hibernate. I took mine to the vet last check to make it sure that she isn't ill. Aside a little bit of worms, which she got treated with panacure, my vet is also thinking about her urge to hibernate. I told him I don't want to hibernate her (too much risk for me as an unexperienced tortoise keeper). He gave me few tips:
- I can "half-hibernate" her. By that he means I can keep the temps on room temp (which is above 70F) and let a small basking lamp run in case my tort wants to warm up a bit.
- I can keep up the routine I'm doing now (wake her up for a 40 min warm soak) and then let her sleep. He also told me it is okay to feed her if she wants, but there has to be a hot spot if I do that.
- He did advice me to observe her weight strictly. During her 'half-hibernation' it is okay to lose some weight, but not more the 10% of her current weight.
- Just let her be. He told me it is okay to let her sleep and keep her on room temp. Some times a soak is also okay, but not necessary. Like 1- 3 times a week is alright, he says.
My vet has experience in reptile care, and also tortoises. He did cure my tort from her runny nose last year, so I trust him. I wanna know what you guys think. Is my vet correct, or do I need to take some measurements?