Hi everyone,

This is my first time hibernating my 3yr old Hermann, and i wanted to check the following points, he is on day 14   of his wind down, but it seems he goes from 4 hrs basking down to a really cold room b4 going in the fridge, is this right?. Also i was only going to hibernate him for approx 5 to 6 weeks being a first timer, is this ok? He hasnt pooed for 9 days but i have seen him drink a little, he is still looking for food everyday and still enjoying his basking lamp, so it worries me that i have to switch it off completely on day 16 , will he cope with such a variance?shall i still have background heating? thank you for your help

Hi Karen,

All tortoises are different in wind down, some are easy and sleep all the way through while others prove to be more difficult. If i was you i would be inclined to keep the light off all day from now so he isnt drawn to the light/heat. Wind down isnt an easy process im afraid. I would suggest  a longer hibernation 12-14 weeks rather than 5-6 (see how it goes)! I put mine in the fridge late at night hen the outside temps have dropped and they are sleeping anyway so it is easier, if its not too cold you can leave him outside in a box for a few hours before putting him in the fridge.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Ali