Hello
My Alfie is a 10 month old Spur Thigh. I dont need to even think about hibernation for a few years yet do I?? The thought terrifies me - it all seems rather complicated!!
Alfie currently lives indoors in a Table Top set up with the correct lighting and heating etc. And if it's nice, warm and sunny outside then he goes out for a few hours in his outdoor enclosure.
I just thought I ask???
Julie

Hi Julie, hibernating species of torts can hibernate their first year!  If you look on the left hand side under 'the tortoise' you will find an article on hibernation, have a read through, but as you say you have a few months yet, it is very scary but we are here to guide you through it.

Vivienne

I am extremely nervous about hibernating Alfie this year - he is soooo tiny. If I decide to leave it until next year would that be ok??
Julie

Hi Julie,

He will be OK, but it is beneficial for a tortoise to hibernate. I generally hibernate mine here from 30grams - but do hibernate tortoises smaller than this as my fridge runs at the same temperature al year round. In the wild they would obviously hibernate from the first year and they grow so slowly in the wild they are no doubt very small. It's perfectly natural - all we have to do is create the right environment for them:-)

There are some hibernation sheets here that will hopefully help:-

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/78.asp

and as Viv has said there are always plenty of people here to help and there are always others, who are hibernating their tortoises for the first time, to share your first hibernation experience with

HTH
Darren

Hi Julie
I will be hibernating my hatchling for her first time this year. It is abit scary but hopefully we can give each other confidence and support and with the help of the TPG team we can sail through it!

Jane H

Hi I am reading through on Hibernation in the fridge, Can u use your fridge that u use for all your food? If so will you not wake the tortoise? when getting food stuff out.

Hi, I would say its not very hygenic to use the family fridge, and may not be possible to keep a stable temperature, as the fridge may be empty some days then full up on weekly shop days etc, thus making the temperatures fluctuate.

Regards Vivienne

Hi Vivienne, I wasn't sure on the fridge lol but still felt I should ask hehe, How about one of those fridges that you buy for the husbands "Beers"?? Is one of those suitable? I'm not too sure on our loft as its fairly insulated and may not be cool enough for hibernation.

Hi, I have heard some reports from other tortoise keepers say that the drinks type fridges are not reliable enough in keeping a stable temperature, I think that the more expensive versions may be ok, but if spending that money may as well get a larder frigde that doesnt have an ice compartment.   You could try your local Freegle (used to be called Freecycle) to see if anyone is giving one away?

As you say the loft isnt a good place either to hibernate torts.

Regards Vivienne