My recently acquired 5 year old Hermanns has suddenly stopped eating. In every other way he appears normal - quite active and healthy weight  but I am worried that it is too early to start winding down and even though it is beginning to be autumnal the days have been very warm. As I am new to all this I need some reassurance!

Hi
Yes it is too early but with this weather our poor torts think it is time.. I think the only way we can keep them going is to make sure the heating and lighting are kept on so it keeps them awake, that is what I am doing, probbaly next week we will have a heatwave!!
Hope this Helps
Jane

My tortoise is an outside one - should I bring him in for a while?

Hi
My torts are outside but they have heating and lighting in the shed which they can access, I must admit this makes life alot simplier, alternatively you can use a cold frame which can act as a greenhouse effect which will make it a warm area. Sorry not sure on your set up so don't mean to be too suggestive! it is best if you can keep them outside for as long as you can. This week-end I am off out to get insultaion to start putting into my shed which we brought this year, so that I can keep mine outside until it is time for hibernation. My friend has dog kennels in her garden and has put heat/light in them, they are brilliant, work really well. Hope this helping and not confusing you, please ask if not sure. It will be nice for us members to support each other, as our weather will be so changable now, and it is hard accomodating the torts and keeping them running smoothly
Jane

OK thank you Jane. Our shed is not really suitable for a tortoise to roam freely in at the moment so I will have to think about how to make a suitable space. He has a rabbit hutch to sleep in and that is quite cosy but not big enough to heat.He is out and about most days but just won't eat any more than a bite of cucumber.

Mary

Hi Mary
The only way to keep him going is to keep him warm, can you just clear a section in the shed and block it off, and make an entry so they can access from outside. Is it possible for you to run some electrics to the shed or has it already got that? I will take some photo's of my set up and post them here later to give you an idea what I mean. Can I ask some questions like
What species?
How old?
How long have you had him?
Has he hibernated before?
Hope you don't mind, but helps to try and advice on set-up a bit better
Jane

Hi Jane, I have cleared  the shed and I can run electricity to it but the door is rather large so I might have to think about making a smaller one? Not quite sure how! He is 5 years old and a Hermanns. I have only had him since May but he  hibernated last year with his breeder. He did eat yesterday quite normally as it was quite warm and I am hoping that the next couple of days will also be sunny. I really appreciate your advice.

Mary