Hi Guys
Me again... on the final cool down, what temps am I looking at for the bath water?
Thanks
Jane 

Blimey, that is a very good question. I think I always used to have the water too warm during the last week before hibernation. They used to really wake up during the bath! Now I try to have the water a little cooler. I've never really checked the temperature of the water but its cooler than the warm water I usually use to bathe the tortoises during active times. Same temperature as the temperature in their enclosure might be a good rule of thumb? They need to be at least slightly awake to drink so definetely not cold.

Hi Jane,

This question seems to come up every year on one forum or another. Heat retention and water retention is very much related to size. A smaller tortoise will dehydrate quicker and also cool down quicker than a larger tortoise so it is more important to ensure they take on water close to hibernation than a larger tortoise. As Dave said, the water really needs be warm enough to stimulate a tortoise to drink. You shouldn’t have any problems cooling him/her down again.

HTH
Darren

Hi

Thanks for that guys, I think I have got it!!!! took me a couple of reads Derrr.... but I get what you are saying.

Jane