Pets: Keep your eyes open as tortoise hibernates

WHILE most people opt for a dog or a cat as their pet of choice in the family home, there are those who favour something a little more unusual.

Tortoises are often a firm favourite. As autumn arrives, it marks the start of "snooze time" for tortoises, a period when most of them begin their annual hibernation.

Here, veterinary charity PDSA has produced a step-by-step guide to hibernation so tortoise owners can ensure their pets sleep soundly and wake up healthy.

When?

Tortoises usually begin hibernating in October, or November, for 10 to 12 weeks, when the temperature drops. Not all tortoises can or need to hibernate, so make sure you know your pet's needs.

Preparation?

A tortoise should be fed a healthy and appropriate diet throughout spring and summer to ensure they have enough body fat for when they hibernate.

Remember, an under-weight tortoise may not survive hibernation.

They will begin to eat less and slow down as temperatures drop; signs they are getting ready for the "big sleep".

A four-to-six week period without food is essential before hibernation as it ensures the digestive system contains no food.

Owners should always encourage their pet to drink though, by giving them regular warm baths.

Never let a tortoise hibernate if it has been ill, or if a female is carrying eggs.

Where?

Owners will need two strong boxes for hibernation - a large and a small one that fits inside the first.

A tortoise should be placed in the small box and surrounded by shredded paper, but make sure there is enough room for them to turn around.

Place the small box inside the large one (a wooden tea chest is ideal, but cardboard is acceptable), then insulate it with polystyrene blocks or shredded paper.

The box should be kept in a dry, draught-free room, shed or car-less garage so there is no danger from exhaust fumes.

It should not be put on a shelf, as movements from the animal may make it fall off.

Temperature?

The ideal temperature for a hibernating tortoise is 5C. It should be kept stable and not be lower than 2C or higher than 10C. Using a thermometer on top of the hibernation box is useful.

During hibernation?

Owners should check the box temperature everyday, and more regularly during extremely cold weather.

Your tortoise should also be weighed at least once a month as it may lose about one per cent of its body weight for each month of hibernation.

Hibernating tortoises can be handled quite safely, and examinations can be a lifesaver.Gently wake your tortoise up and take it to a vet if there are any obvious skin or shell disease; if it has passed urine; or if there is a sudden weight loss.

Waking up?

Tortoises should hibernate for a maximum of 12 to 14 weeks.

For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk..