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Hibernation worrys
Posted: 14/11/2009 by harriet46

Hi I was going to hibernate my horsfield this year but i have just measured her and weighed her and looking at the mcintyre ratio she is right on the line that says low in weight. She was very poorly last year but she has fully recovered now. She is hardly eating anything at the moment and is slowing down and burying right down in her table. Would i be better off overwintering her this year? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Re: Hibernation worrys
Posted: 15/11/2009 by TPGDarren

Hi,

 

Sorry, when  you say last year, do you mean this summer please?

The main thing is that they have had a good full year eating with a steady weight gain. The McIntyre ratio is merely a guideline to go by. If they've gained weight steadily through the summer, have been illness free and pass a few basic health checks (please see "Wind-Down Procedure" below):-

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

 

a tortoise should be fine.

 

HTH
Darren

 

 

 

Re: Hibernation worrys
Posted: 15/11/2009 by harriet46

Thanks for reply. No it was about a year ago that she was poorly and was advised by the vet to not hibernate her that year. She is very healthy at the moment but i was just concerned about her weight that was all. I think i will give it a go and see how things go.

 

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