Hibernation

[David Ablett]

Hi,
I have 2 marginated tortoise - one @ 2 years and one @ 1 1/2 years. Both are healthy; active and eating. I have noticed in the last few weeks the older tortoise is starting to loose weight. At the moment I am assuming this is natural? The younger tortoise is still gaining weight.

I understand the hibernation procedure but I have a few questions
- how long should they be starved for as they are only young?
-should they be hibernated?
-how long should they be hibernated for?

Many thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't know anything about marginated tortoises, but here I only allow hibernation at the tortoise's third winter. If your one tortoise has been losing weight, I wouldn't allow that one to hibernate. They have to bulk up prior to hibernation.

 

[Alexio]

I personally would not hibernate. They are both on the small side , but marginated tortoises do grow very slowly. Do you keep them indoors?

 

[David Ablett]

Thanks for the replys! Yes they are both kept indoors at the moment. I'm in favour of not hibernating them, but just wanted check with other people! Perhaps next winter I'll see about doing it for a short period of a month or so?