Bella is a 7 year old Russian and this is her FIRST year of hibernation. Her previous owner kept her indoors year round so did not see a need for her to hibernate. I have gone through the hibernation process before with Lulah who was my Greek Spur-Thigh but she was a 54 year old veteran who had slept through the winter period every year of her life without any problems. I've been a bit more apprehensive with Bella with it being her first time. She has gone through 3 weeks of starvation with plenty of watering before I put her in the shed for hibernation last week. She had not passed anything for about 5 days prior to me putting her away. Going in she was a little underweight at 885g if you go by the weight:length ratio but she has consistently been at this weight throughout the two years I've had her and always been active and healthy.
I have been in to check on her today and she has dropped in weight to 876g and also passed some solids which she must have been holding in! I am a little bit concerned and considering waking her up for fear she's just going to plummet in weight. I know the usual is if in any doubt, wake them up, but am I being overly cautious? Advice please!
P.S. I don't know if it's worth adding, I remember Lulah went into complete shut down during hibernation wih legs and head tucked right in and it took quite a lot to disturb her. Bella still has her legs and head quite out and responds slowly to handling.
I have been in to check on her today and she has dropped in weight to 876g and also passed some solids which she must have been holding in! I am a little bit concerned and considering waking her up for fear she's just going to plummet in weight. I know the usual is if in any doubt, wake them up, but am I being overly cautious? Advice please!
P.S. I don't know if it's worth adding, I remember Lulah went into complete shut down during hibernation wih legs and head tucked right in and it took quite a lot to disturb her. Bella still has her legs and head quite out and responds slowly to handling.