Western Hermann's Tortoise Possible Hibernation ?

debpek

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Hello All!

Quick question. My almost-three-year-old western Hermann's tortoise, Herms, is started to decrease in activity and food/water consumption. I understand that there is a biological clock of hibernation probably for him, however, we are not wanting to do the process of hibernation right now. Within the last 5 days, Herms has not left his burrowing spot underneath the enclosure's ramp. With this, my mother thought it would be a good idea to not turn on the lights (UVB/UVA and Basking/Heat). Therefore, I think Herms may have begun the process of hibernation with the cooler-ish temperatures in the enclosure. How it was set up, Herms was directly out of the light and thus the heat. Apparently, the temperature gauge did fall off, so currently there is no way to tell what degree the enclosure is at and what humidity level is occurring. (Told my mom to get one ASAP and to turn the lights back on and move it closer to Herms' location. Would that be a correct judgment?)

Weeks before his sudden decrease in activity, he was engaging in breeding behaviors. He would try to breed with one of my dog's toys when he was roaming the living room. He would do this more frequently and excessively the more he spotted the toy. It got to the point where we put it in his enclosure to have, haha. He didn't seem to mind. As this was occurring, he began to be more aggressive and try to bite feet and the two dogs we own. Then, he began to bite his own legs, and quite consistently. With that being about 2 weeks ago, he now sleeps in one spot. Last weekend, he did appear to eat a little bit before I left, but now it's been a few days.

Is this normal activity for a tortoise during this time? Should we be concerned with his no activity the last week and no intake of food? If so, should we do something to control the situation? Could it be related to something else (temperature, humidity, illness?) other than hibernation mode?

I appreciate any insight on the matter! New to this whole mom thing! Thanks!47185803_534174927060370_3442625766183927808_n.jpg 47200943_635972130150745_265414032406609920_n.jpg 47185803_534174927060370_3442625766183927808_n.jpg 47200943_635972130150745_265414032406609920_n.jpg
 

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