too small to hibernate?

by Kim
(San Diego, CA)

We adopted 4 desert tortoise youngsters 2 years ago. We kept them indoors and warm for 2 winters so they wouldn't hibernate. One is about half the size of the other three. I always made sure that he ate. He is just a healthy little runt. I made a large burrow for them in a large rectangular planter. Just over a week ago, when it started to get cooler and rainy, I transferred them there. There is no food, just water. The little guy is still awake. I can tell because his little water dish keeps getting dirty and once I caught him in the "swimming hole".


Is it possible that he is too small to hibernate? I still have the indoor set up and it would be easy for me to bring him indoors for the winter. I could also offer him food until he is ready to hibernate.

BTW, we live in So. Cal. Our weather is finicky this time of the year. We are having cooler nights and it warms up during the day.

Comments for too small to hibernate?

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Oct 28, 2010
 thank you
by: kim

That is a very helpful article. Thank you.
Oct 27, 2010
 hibernating a tortoise
by: Shelly

"Do not attempt to hibernate any tortoise if it has eaten within the last month to six weeks."

This quote is from this page

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/safer.html It's from about half way down, but I do suggest you read the whole page. There is a wealth of information there for the taking.

Keep it slow and steady.
Oct 27, 2010
 hibernation
by: kim

maybe 2 days. Should I wake them all up just to be sure?
Oct 27, 2010
 hibernating a tortoise
by: Anonymous

When you hibernate any tortoise, you have to be sure the whole gut is empty before they begin or any food will rot and possibly kill it. If you have one that is still eating, it's not getting ready to hibernate. And the others, who may be sleeping? Did they stop eating before they nodded off? If so, for how long?

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