I need help!

[Pepiiii T xx]

So I know a bit about Hermann's and all but do they have to hibernate???

Pepiiii T xx

 

[ascott]

"In nature, the animals dig their nightly shelters out and spend the relatively mild Mediterranean winters there. During this time, the heart rate and breathing rate drop notably. Domestic animals can be kept in the basement in a roomy rodent-proof box with a thick layer of dry leaves. The temperature should be around 5 degrees C As an alternative, the box can be stored in a refrigerator. For this method to be used, the fridge should be in regular day to day use, to permit air flow. During hibernation, it is vital that the ambient temperature not fall below zero. Full-grown specimens may sleep 4–5 months at a time."

While they can/do brumate, it is not necessary if you decide against it...also, the tortoise should be in peak health. They will likely not have a great desire to brumate until near 5 years old....and if the tortoise is new to you, I would wait an entire year anyways (that is if the tortoise is 5+ years of age) IMHO...

 

[GBtortoises]

There is absolutely no reason to hibernate (brumate) tortoises in captivity. They do so in the wild to escape periods of cold weather, decreased sun and lack of food. Unless being kept exclusively outdoors, they don't have to face these hardships in captivity. Under the correct conditions any tortoise species that naturally brumates will do so when "triggered" by it's environment. Age has nothing to do with it. Hatchlings, young and adults alike all brumate in the wild when necessary.

There is a pre and post brumation process in captivity and conditions should be monitored while the tortoise is in brumation. The underlying concern is that if not done safely in the tortoise's best interest, alot can go wrong. Many people nowadays feel that it is safer to keep (and enjoyable) to keep their tortoises awake and active throughout the cold months rather than brumate them.

 

[Kristina]

I personally do not hibernate any of my turtles or tortoises that hibernate in the wild. They can be hibernated, but they do not HAVE to be. Hibernation is simply their way of surviving in less than ideal conditions - if we can provide ideal conditions year round, then there is nothing wrong with that.

I prefer to keep mine awake because of the peace of mind knowing that none of my tortoises will die in flooded burrows or get a respiratory infection or starve or any of the other myriad things that can go wrong during hibernation.

 

[Laura]

Sorry,, but is this poster for real? I got a PM begging for help.. but no question,, they post here and dont come back to read comments.. scammer? or not used to format?

 

[tyler0912]

So I know a bit about Hermann's and all but do they have to hibernate???

Pepiiii T xx

Maybe had to rushout or a family problem?
Maybe busy...Maybe forgot...Maybe relaxing... LOL
Im sure She will return!

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

So I know a bit about Hermann's and all but do they have to hibernate???

Pepiiii T xx

In 40 years of tortoise keeping, I've never hibernated/brumated any of mine...my 1st Hermann's was my grandfather's pet from late WWII until I inherited her upon his passing, and she lived another 19 years w/ me...in all that time, she was never forced to brumate and remained perfectly healthy.