Early waking tortoises

Early waking tortoises

Early waking tortoises

Due to the unusually warm weather this winter, it has been reported that tortoises are coming out of hibernation earlier than expected. If your tortoise has been hibernating, make sure you keep a close eye on it and watch out for signs of awakening.

When your tortoise arises from hibernation, make sure you have the right equipment and supplies to keep them warm for the rest of winter. You should monitor their awakening carefully, if you think anything is amiss, please bring them to The Vet as soon as possible as there could be many complications which could affect their hibernation recovery.

Preparing for your Tortoise’s Awakening
Your tortoise needs to be kept warm when they wake up from hibernation; ensure you have the right heat lamp and ultraviolet bulb that will create the perfect atmosphere for your species of tortoise, the newer the better because after about 6 months the bulb may not be as reliable at omitting a constant light.

Make sure you have a large enough Vivarium or tortoise table with good ventilation and plenty of water and fresh greens.
Stock up on Nutrobal supplement to sprinkle on your tortoise’s food. Nutrobal contains a variety of important vitamins and supplements including calcium and vitamin D which assist your tortoise in maintaining healthy bone growth.

When your Tortoise awakes
When a tortoise hibernates, it normally goes for months without eating or drinking, so once they wake up there are important steps you should make to get them back to full strength.

The first thing you should do is make sure your tortoise is warm and comfortable.