Did you know that your tortoise or turtle needs to hibernate? The body is not designed to eat all year round. This causes too much growth and pyramiding of the shell, among other health problems. These steps will help you understand your pet's needs. Water Turtles in naturally seasonal climates (cold winters i.e.) will not need this article information. they merely need a little less food because they brumate not hibernate. Brumation is when they "doze off" for weeks at a time or days depending. Imagine the turtle as being anemic in a way, just a harsh case.
1Begin the process in the fall. Turtles and tortoises should hibernate in the fall and throughout winter months when natural-growing food is scarce and weather temperatures drop.Ad
2The turtle or tortoise must have an empty stomach for around 8 weeks before hibernation. This is called 'winding down'. Gradually withdraw food over a week and then no food for 3 weeks. Give warm daily baths to help empty bowels.
3Gradually reduce heat over the last two weeks of wind-down. Hibernation is best controlled in a refrigerator between 3-7 degrees, 5.5 being perfect.
4Keep an eye on weight loss during hibernation. One-percent a month weight loss of the total weight when the animal went into hibernation is fine.Ad
- The tortoise or turtle will wake above 10 degrees. Once awake do not attempt to re-hibernate.
- If your tortoise or turtle urinates or defecates whilst in hibernation, you must get him up.
- Hibernation is also known as "brumate". The turtle experiences no digestion, lowered circulation, slow or stopped immune defenses. Brumate depends on turtle type.
- Although hibernation seems like sleeping, hibernation doesn't rejuvenate a turtle, and is actually taxing to the turtle's resources.
- Turtles that are in ill-health, have a runny nose, are underweight, are new to you, are recuperating or injured should not be allowed to hibernate.
- Certain tortoises, i.e. leopard tortoises and sulcatta tortoises, do not hibernate. So do not attempt this with them.
Categories: Turtles and Tortoises
Recent edits by: BR, Shadow dude, Sondra C
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