Hi, I live in Spain and found my tortoise in the middle of the road last  March.After a worrying first time hibernation,he came out of hibernation and has been doing great,kept him indoors because the temp still cold.My problem now is my hubby put him outside yesterday and the temps have dropped to high of 10degrees low of 1 degree. I can't find him anywhere and we've had heavy rain,can they survive these harsh temperatures?really worried,thanks Sharron

Hi Sharron,

You need to keep your tortoise warm as at these temperatures your tortoise will try and go back into hibernation or won't be able to function properly; won't eat/be able to digest food at cooler temperatures.

Have you a basking/UC lamp at all please?

Hi he's disappeared in the garden which is absolutely soaking it's not soil either it's clay and pebbles,but very overgrown, and can't find him anywhere so not able to help him get warm. Is it possible he's found somewhere and gone back into hibernation?I've checked where he used last summer but he's nowhere to be seen. we have got this bad weather for the next 10 days which is high of 10 and low of 1,plus the chill factor -2 and rain...

Hi Sharron,

Tortoises shouldn't hibernate more than once in the year, though if he's dug down there may be little chance of finding him again. If he comes up again, I'd be inclined to bring him indoors and keep him warm. Hopefully the weather will improve and he'll pop up again soon.

TC
Darren

Thanks Darren,hopefully he's found somewhere safe and will let you know when he's back.

Best Regards

Sharron

Hi,just to let you know Herman's back,very muddy but otherwise well and warming up nicely and eating. Noone told meof the worry of having a tortoise!!!

from a very relieved owner!

Regards Sharron.

  That's great news Sharron. Agree with you that no one warns you about the worry of having a tortoise, but they are worth it aren't they!  I got told off by my husband this morning because I spent 10 minutes just gazing at Brian while he ate his breakfast and had a rummage around his box!  Should have been sorting out boys for school!

They really are the most fascinating creatures aren't they?

Glad your story had a happy ending,

Helen

Great news Sharron, one worry off the tick list...
Helen, I am glad someone else passes their time like me  I could watch them for hours, it is the only time I am quiet
Jane, Keya & Molly