What weight should a spur-thighed tortoise be for safe hibernation?

Do not hibernate her this year. Keep her enclosure temperature between 20 C and 27 C. Provide a basking area of about 32 C with UVB lighting. Provide food and vitamin/mineral supplementation as well as several baths weekly.

If Corny is kept indoors year round, hibernation is not necessary. Greek tortoises from the South typically do not hibernate, while their northern counterparts do hibernate. He or she will not die without hibernation. Most do quite well without it. If you plan on hibernating Corny, consider a physical exam to confirm good health and adequate weight. You will then need to fast him or her for 3-6 weeks prior to hibernation. You will need to monitor weight during hibernation as well.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, It is normal for this species to hibernate when it gets cold. This in itself should not be a problem; however, if Creek is unwell for any reason then it is better to keep him active by providing a warm environment throughout the winter. This would ensure that his immune system continues to function properly. A yearly veterinary health check just before it gets cold could help you decide whether or not to let him hibernate.

If kept outdoors, they may hibernate from June to September. A tortoise may burrow into the substrate and remain inactive during this time. It is not recommended to hibernate juveniles, sick tortoises or underweight tortoises. If Franklin is kept indoors at constant temperature or will not be used for breeding purposes, he does not need to hibernate.

A small bit of food likely won't cause any issues, just don't offer any more food for the next two weeks. Monitor for defecation so you know he's digested and passed any food. Make sure Flash remains well hydrated. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles prior to brumation would be recommended to confirm Flash is healthy enough for his "nap". Once he begins brumating, monitor him monthly for weight loss (>1% body weight), nasal discharge or urination. If you notice any of these issues or if he is too active in his burrow or box, consider having him examined and brought out of brumation.

Thanks for reaching out about Oj. To prevent hibernation, you must keep the environmental temperature at the preferred optimal temperature zone range of 75-85 degrees. If allowed to cool but not hibernate, you are just shutting off the immune, digestion and other symptoms, allowing bacterial or parasitic diseases to proliferate unhindered. During this period of non-hibernation, Oj should continue to eat and be active, otherwise something is not correct. Photoperiod and exposure to UV radiation is important also. Decreased photoperiod and UV exposure stimulates hibernation patterns, so light periods and UV should be kept higher (like summer) to prevent hibernation. Good Luck.

As long as the house is between 68 F and 80 F, Mikey should be fine. As a reptile, he does need a basking area to warm up and UVB lighting. Nighttime temps can drop to 60-65 F. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and provide hydration. If he is kept indoors year round at constant temperature s, he does not "need" to hibernate.