Russian Tortoise hibernation?

Question

I have a male adult Russian tortoise and have only owned it for a few months. I was wondering if anyone can give me some information on his hibernation habits. Specific dates for hibernating and how captivity affects them is important as well. Thanks.

Answer 1

since they are a reptile, they are more comfortable in warmer climates. in the winter you can expect your tortise to not become as active as if he would in the summer. he might sleep more often and burrow down deep in his exhibit. he will also have a change in appitite..continue feeding him on a regular basis, but dont be surprised or worried if he doesnt eat..just make sure that you keep the exhibit warm as in around 75-80 degrees

Answer 2

Since you've only owned your tortoise a short time I wouldn't advise hibernating him this year. Instead, you can lengthen his light cycle to 14 hrs a day and increase his basking area temperature to the mid 90's. He may slow down a little but should winter over fine. If you decide that you want to hibernate him next year, make sure that the Vet gives him a clean bill of health first (many torts that have high parasite loads don't make it through hibernation) and read the following articles.
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/safer.html
http://russiantortoise.net/hibernation_journey.htm
Good luck with your tortoise.

Answer 3

Hibernation is triggered by shortening days combined with temperature triggers, not days on the calendar. In the wild, some Russians will hibernate or brumate most of the year.

Hibernation can be tricky for a first-timer, and you'll want to carefully research it before deciding on it.i would skip it this year- skipping a year or more does not really do anything bad- and consider it for next year.

For good info, try:
- http://www.russiantortoise.org
- http://www.tortoisetrust.org and/or
- http://www.tortoise.org

Good luck!

Answer 4

stop handling the poor thing. it's not a kitten. just let him get used to his new home. don't forget, this is a cool climate species, so you might want to drop those temps down a bit, especially that hot end. in the wild, these torts burrow to avoid high temps and dry conditions. so cool it down and spritz the burrowing substrate. then leave him alone.

Answer 5

you cant rly tell when it will start hibernating
just go with the flow and it will come sometime here a few sights