Well i've done it and they are all asleep in the fridge, i have been constantly checking the temps today, hope i get some sleep tonight lol
Well done Wendy. They will be fine. It will be easier next year. The only thing about hibernation is how much you miss them.
How are you getting on Wendy?. Do you feel a bit better now they are a sleep.
Getting on ok they are all fine been checking daily opening fridge and weighing every couple of days (more than i need to i know, such a fuss pot me!) they have all lot 1g so doing ok. It has been recommended to only hibernate this time for 4 weeks, if their weight loss is ok can they go longer or should i wake them up? What do you all think please.
Hope everyone ok xx
(01-09-2010 11:46 AM)Wendy Wrote: [ -> ]Getting on ok they are all fine been checking daily opening fridge and weighing every couple of days (more than i need to i know, such a fuss pot me!) they have all lot 1g so doing ok. It has been recommended to only hibernate this time for 4 weeks, if their weight loss is ok can they go longer or should i wake them up? What do you all think please.
Hope everyone ok xx
Hi Wendy
I'm not sure who gave this advice but it's generally considered more of a hindrance than a benfit to hibernate for this length of time. 8 weeks is recommended as absolute minimum fpr any gain to the tortoise. I would not check them so often as this can disturb them too much. Nothing is going to happen in a matter of a couple of weeks. Try to think tortoise and not human for a few weeks lol
Thanks Sue can you tell its my first time lol will leave them be for longer between checking and just open fridge door to let in fresh air. I haved noted their pre hibernation weight and max weight loss allowed and am recording whenever i weigh them so will leave them down for longer. Thanks for the advice.
(01-09-2010 01:54 PM)Wendy Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks Sue can you tell its my first time lol will leave them be for longer between checking and just open fridge door to let in fresh air. I haved noted their pre hibernation weight and max weight loss allowed and am recording whenever i weigh them so will leave them down for longer. Thanks for the advice.
LOL - we have all been there Wendy. Just open the door momentarily as they are hardly breathing right now, so not using up much (sorry, not meant to be scary). They will be fine, you'll see, and you will think they have grown too, funny how that always seem to be the case
Hi Wendy. I would go for at least 8 weeks as well. They will be fine. My baby marginated tortoises are going in for 8 weeks. Unless there is a problem. They have lost no weight in hibernation in 4 weeks. Like Sue said 4 weeks would not benefit them. Even though i am missing them and feel like getting them up lol.
Thanks everyone, they are all doing great have all lost some weight but not much i am calmer now than at first, at least next hibernation will be easier lol
does it get easier? lol i think i will always flap