Hermann's Tortoise won't eat?

Question

I have a 1.5 year old Hermann's Tortoise. She used to be a vigorous eater, but for the past few months she has not been interested in eating at all. I live in Alabama, so the winter isn't terribly cold here, and I keep a heat lamp on one end of her terrarium (50 gallon). Is this normal hiberation, or is she too cold? I know adults hiberate for 4-5 months, but I am concerned because she is so young. Also, when I got her, she didn't have all the scales on her legs. She doesn't look to be improving there - should she be growing scales? How long should it take to grow them, and do I need to do anything special to get her healthy that way? When she was eating, I put calcium on her food, and she has a UVB lamp. Any ideas on if her behavior is normal - when can I expect her to eat again and grow scales? Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

1. Leg scales. If they were lost by injury, they should slowly come back after several skin sheds.

2. Not eating is probably due to a combination of temp and humidity. Hermann's like having some nice, warm, humid retreats they can hide or burrow in. The humid hiding spot should be about 80 degrees and 70+% humidity.

For some good info, try http://www.tortoisetrust.com.uk

Answer 2

The scales won't grow back but that shouldn't effect appitite, increase the temperature in the cage and try to add varriety to the diet give it some different food including some live insects.