Overwintering tips

[Charliethetortoise]

I was thinking of Over Wintering my (hermann) tortoise as it has been ill this year with RNS and a cornea ulcer (my poor baby). I was have decided that Over Wintering would be best because I know that you shouldn't hibernate a tortoise that was ill that previous year. Also, bearing in mind my tortoise is 1 1/2 years old I think it will be best. Any opinions to this? I live in England, any advice on what I can feed it when the weeds die out? (I am already trying to grow some) Any advice for the heat at night? Sorry long post, but all the information I have researched is different but you guys give the best advice so I am putting my trust in you.

 

[WillTort2]

I would agree that keeping your tort awake this winter is for the best due to the recovering health. For night heat a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) works well. A night time drop in temperature should be fine for a healthy. For my Russians I let their nighttime temps drop down to about 60 degrees F on cool nights.

Food wise, order or grow cactus pads, or buy rocket mix of salad, add radicchio, endive, Belgian endive, collards, kale, Romaine, red leaf, green leaf lettuces, dandelions, turnip greens, mustard greens, etc. as part of a varied and rotating assortment of foods. Variety is the key!

 

[Charliethetortoise]

Thank you

 

[Saleama]

If they are anything like Russians, you can add Aloe to that. I either buy whole plants at an organic nursery, or I buy food grade aloe pads at Wal-Mart in the produce section. My four will destroy a three foot long pad or a huge plant in two days!

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

I have never hibernated my turtles (or tortoises) and they are perfectly happy. My russian got a little slow during those months, but nothing went wrong, no worrying about them, no anxiety in the spring.

 

[Flipper]

I too don't want to brumate my Herman's tortoise this winter. She'll only be a yearling and I'm too scared

 

[lisa127]

When I want to overwinter a reptile and they are showing signs of slowing down, I increase UVB lighting to 14 hours a day and I add gentle heat during the night.