Tortoise poo before hibernation

[kyle123]

Hi, I'm just checking that my tortoise should be pooing before hibernation. He's not had any food for about a week and a half now as he gets ready to hibernate. Today he did a large poo with some urates. I'm pretty sure this is what he is supposed to be doing as he is emptying his gut before hibernation. Could someone just tell me if I am right in what I'm saying? Thanks

 

[KarenSoCal]

Yes, it takes about 2 weeks after he last ate to empty his gut, as long as he is warm enough.

Give him plenty of soaks before he brumates. He needs all the hydration he can get, and it will help clear those urates.

 

[kyle123]

Thanks I'll continue to do that for the next 2 week's and then he'll be going into the fridge

 

[KarenSoCal]

Thanks I'll continue to do that for the next 2 week's and then he'll be going into the fridge

How do you lower his temp to go into the fridge?

I also use a fridge. My tort is outside until the nighttime temp matches the fridge temp, then in he goes. Actually tonight is supposed to get cold enough. If it does, he'll go in in the early morning. If not, tomorrow night should work.

 

[JoesMum]

With indoor torts, leave the lights off during the wind down. You don't want any supplementary heat. And I would pop him in a box in the garage or similar unheated space the night before moving him to the fridge

 

[kyle123]

Yeah I have done that exactly he is in the workshop at around 17 degrees. I have had the light on for 6 hours a day but he hasn't been bothered by it and just stayed hidden away. I'll leave it off now, Thanks