Hibernation

6 comments

Sat. 4 Oct 2008

First thing this morning I sorted out the hibernation boxes for Jubilee and Josie. They are large cardboard boxes which had to be lined with paper shreddings and then a smaller box is placed inside, also filled with shreddings! Very messy to organise and I left a trail of paper everywhere, from living room through the kitchen and down the path to the shed! I weighed both tortoises (Jubilee 3lb 8ozs, Josie 8lb) so should be OK through the cold months. They will stay in hiberation until just after Christmas unless it gets really frosty beforehand. Then they will be brought indoors to await spring and to be reunited with Little ’Un. He only weighs 1lb 4ozs so is too small to hibernate. I always find it a worrying time until they are safely awake, warmed up and eating again.

This afternoon I felt like packing myself away in a nice warm box! It has been cold, wet and windy so I have reverted to my indoor hobbies – researching the family tree, playing with my dolls house (yes, I know – second childhood!!) and Ebaying. My home and garden is full of Ebay bargains. I recently ordered some more Kaffir Lillies (white and very pale pink) and they should arrive shortly. I have used the same sellers before and been very happy with what they provide.

My daughter is giving me a wooden planter that she no longer needs so, weather permitting, I will be on my trusty trike on Tuesday to go to the local garden centre (10% off day for senior citizens) to buy some winter colour with vouchers I was given for my birthday some months back. Sometimes I trycle (is there such a word?) back looking like a mobile shrub! But who cares?

4 Oct, 2008
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Terratoonie

How encouraging that you weigh your tortoises in pounds and ounces. :o)

On Tuesday, don't forget to put on your grey wig, or they'll turn you away as not being a senior citizen. :o)

Don't wear out the 'T' on your keyboard ~
Trail - Tortoises - Trusty - Trycle - Tuesday :o)

I've already worn out my T ~
TerraToonie

4 Oct, 2008

Irish

enjoyed reading this Gee.
hope we get to see a photo of your Trike laden down with plants lol

4 Oct, 2008

Gee19

Hi TerraToonie & Irish - I don't need a grey wig - I've already got one and its a perfect fit! I'll try and remember to take a photo of my trike, laden or not.

4 Oct, 2008

Blodyn

Hope your friends enjoy their hibernation. I feel as if I could do the same sometimes.
Well now my ancestors keep me going through the winter months aswell. The people in the local PROs will be fed up with seeing me this winter again I think. lol
All the best, Hywel.

5 Oct, 2008

Gee19

Hi Marquerite, During the hibernation period the tortoises do not eat or drink but they do move a little and they need checking periodically to make sure they do not lose too much weight. A permit is not needed but only tortoises bred in captivity can be sold here. No imports allowed. My two elderly females were imported long before this ban was in place (ie 1977). A terrarium would be impractical for such large tortoises - Josie is about 12 inches long (31cm). When I wake them up just after Christmas they will have the run of my dining room (de-carpeted, etc!) with heat lamp etc until it is warm enough for them to go into the garden. My turn for a question - do you have tortoises native to Australia or just imported pets?

Hibernation

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