Hi everyone,
What is a safe weight loss during the wind down period i am slightly concerned that one of mine has lost weight and feels lighter.
Thanks
(12-14-2009 07:08 PM)Wendy Wrote: [ -> ]Hi everyone,
What is a safe weight loss during the wind down period i am slightly concerned that one of mine has lost weight and feels lighter.
Thanks
Hi Wendy, It all depends on what was in the gut. If your tortoise has always been a greedy guts, then you will feel a marked difference after wind down. I have some torts that are highly geared to hibernation so they were already winding down when I decided to go ahead, they have not lost so much weight, but others that were happy to keep going for ever have lost considerably more. I rarely weigh my established torts any more as it would scare the pants off me at times. So long as they feel a good weight and have had no health problems I tend to let them go for it. I do watch my youngsters more closely though if that makes sense. Sorry not to have been more help.
If you are talking about a Med species with normal (as in the wild) growth then have a look on the Jackson ratio to get a good idea of what reserves it has now.
Hope this helps
Don't worry Wendy. Terry lost a bit of weight in wind down. Since he as been in hibernation he as only lost 1 gram. You will find the weight loss will slow right down. Just keep up with their baths.
Thanks both i have used a jackson ratios calculator and it appears 2 of them are fine and 1 slightly under weight but will go for it and monitor closely (i'm such a worrier!)
They are all 2 year old Hermanns i am winding down for between 2-3 weeks due to their age, do you think this is ok?
thanks again
(12-14-2009 09:03 PM)Wendy Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks both i have used a jackson ratios calculator and it appears 2 of them are fine and 1 slightly under weight but will go for it and monitor closely (i'm such a worrier!)
They are all 2 year old Hermanns i am winding down for between 2-3 weeks due to their age, do you think this is ok?
thanks again
It's more a weight than age thing Wendy as some 2 year olds can be around 60 grams and others a lot more.
Hi Wendy. I only use the ratios as a rough guide. As long as your torts are healthy and feel a good weight they should be ok. You should be ok with 2-3 weeks. If they have a poo towards the end leave it for a bit longer. Some torts empty their gut faster than others.
It's my little ones first hibernation as well Wendy two of them have a nice weight and one is light she is never very interested in food, but apart for that she is in good health, but I am still hibernating her, even if she is still restless.
My babies went into the fridge today and have settled really well.
ahh my fridge is all ready for them, will give them another few days then they up to 3 weeks.
Hi Wendy before you put them in the fridge put them somewhere really cool. This helps them get nearer the temp of the fridge.