Tortoise woke from hibernation after two weeks in the cooler because the door was open.

[Stupid Cobble]

Hi. I'm in the United Kingdom with a Greek spur-thighed tortoise called Poppy that has been box hibernating for several years.

I wasn't able to hibernate him in the same place this year, and I don't have anywhere suitable. Therefore, I decided to get a Wine Cooler and do hibernation that way.

I got the temperature down to what I believe is around 5 deg C - that what the thermometer told me - and she was happy for a couple of weeks. However, I went in last night to find the door opened and Poppy hanging out slightly ( She's too big to fit in a box so is sleeping on a tray ). The door would likely be open for around 4 hours and the temp measured 12 deg C.

Now, unless she has opened it or I have a ghost, I can't work out why the door was ajar. Anyway, I've put her back, and she has attempted a couple of times again today to move toward the door. The temperature is taking a little while to drop and is currently around 7 deg C.

So my question is: Am I doing the right thing by attempting to put her back into hibernation?

Your thoughts and advice are very much appreciated.

 

[Tom]

So my question is: Am I doing the right thing by attempting to put her back into hibernation?

I think so, but you need to use a suitable plastic box that Poppy can't get out of. Best if is opaque. 5C should be a good temperature for this species.

 

[Stupid Cobble]

Many thanks.