My tortoises have woken up

lindyloo47

Really happy they have survived this cold winter, but i always worry when they first emerge. They seem ok, have had their first bath and now waiting for the warm weather so they can have the run of the garden. Any other tips on tortoises coming out of hibernation gratefully received.

meeps

checked my family one on sunday and he was still spark out! he comes to stay with me for a bit once he is up, generally involves a few baths, a heat lamp, a small radiator on low and waving dandilions under his nose till he admits defeat and eats one. found some really nice 'living salads' in aldi that I think he will like.

greenmoneysaver_2

check out tortoise trust website - good reliable advice!

Not a bda time for torts to come out - just a bit concerned where you have hibernated them, as you were concerned about the harshness of the winter - did you have them properly insulated?

I would avoid "living salads" as they sound like they have a llot of beans.seeds in them that will be too high in protein for them.

snowman2_2

The priority for waking tortoises is to warm them up, mid 80's for Mediterranean tortoises. Get them plenty of water, loads of water baths and they should be drinking within 1 day. Offer them food when they are warm and rehydrated and they should be eating within 1 week. If they do not eat within 2 weeks or look ill before that, see an experienced reptile vet asap or you may lose them

meeps

the living salad is 3 different sorts of young lettuce leaves growing in a little tray. ours needs to be tempted by tender lettuce/dandilions and cucumber to get his appetite going, then will eat a better range (eg plants from the tortoise seed mix sold on ebay) once he is feeding himself.

lindyloo47

The tortoises are doing really well now. They were sluggish at first but are now enjoying this lovely weather with supervised outings in the garden. They are eating well with dandelions being favourite at the moment although the girl tortoise loves anything that is coloured yellow. They were over wintered in the garage but i see that some sites recommend putting them in a fridge. Think i'll stick to my tried and tested method.

meeps

we have our guest for a few weeks! brought him over and got him settled in his holiday home after his first bath.

lindyloo47

Thats really good news. Ours have been out again today, but still bringing them in every night. Hope he gets on ok and is soon chomping on his dandelions.