Tortoise hibernation

[crankedup5]

Last week we packed away ‘splodge’ our friendly tortoise for his hibernation. Three days later he is anxious to ge ‘out of his box’, we duly obliged and he is now wandering around in our lounge. He has not eaten or drank for a week or so now.
Anybody else having similar troubles ?

[yellowtang]

I have a 20 year old Greek Spur Thigh and I brought him in from the garden today, he spends October, November and December roaming the kitchen and January, February and March in the fridge!

Many people hibernate them for too long really, 6 months is far longer than they’d be dormant for in the wild. 3 months in the salad drawer of the drinks fridge at 5 degrees seems to work well.

[crankedup5]

yellowtang said:

I have a 20 year old Greek Spur Thigh and I brought him in from the garden today, he spends October, November and December roaming the kitchen and January, February and March in the fridge!

Many people hibernate them for too long really, 6 months is far longer than they’d be dormant for in the wild. 3 months in the salad drawer of the drinks fridge at 5 degrees seems to work well.

I’ve heard elsewhere that a fridge is the best place for winter hibernation, constant temp’ at the correct level. Interesting to read of your tortoise hibernation routine.
‘Splodge’’ is now 12 years old, his been part of the family since he was six months old.