Hi Everyone,
I few weeks ago I posted a topic on identifying my Desert Tortoise. Thanks to everyone for helping me with my "Texas Tortoise". Since summer is over, and winter time is coming, I need tips on hibernation. I have Sulcata (they don't hibernate) and this will be my first tortoise that hibernates. Any info would be great. So far, she has been eating a lot and getting fatter, drinking lots of water and soaking herself as well. I am assuming that this is to stock up for the long winter.
My plan is to buy a big plastic container for her to hibernate in, and let her sleep in my garage (no cars or exhaust fumes). It is connected to my house and my Sulcata's state in their dedicated areas for winter as well.
Questions:
1. Do I let her hibernate first and then move her to the plastic container to let her sleep? Would that awaken her?
2. How should the temps be? Cooler or warmer?
3. In the event that she wakes up, what should I do?
4. How long do they hibernate?
Thanks ahead of time. I am a rookie, so please give me as much info as possible.
Scott
I few weeks ago I posted a topic on identifying my Desert Tortoise. Thanks to everyone for helping me with my "Texas Tortoise". Since summer is over, and winter time is coming, I need tips on hibernation. I have Sulcata (they don't hibernate) and this will be my first tortoise that hibernates. Any info would be great. So far, she has been eating a lot and getting fatter, drinking lots of water and soaking herself as well. I am assuming that this is to stock up for the long winter.
My plan is to buy a big plastic container for her to hibernate in, and let her sleep in my garage (no cars or exhaust fumes). It is connected to my house and my Sulcata's state in their dedicated areas for winter as well.
Questions:
1. Do I let her hibernate first and then move her to the plastic container to let her sleep? Would that awaken her?
2. How should the temps be? Cooler or warmer?
3. In the event that she wakes up, what should I do?
4. How long do they hibernate?
Thanks ahead of time. I am a rookie, so please give me as much info as possible.
Scott