I assumed responsibility for my Grandma's 40 yr. old Eastern Painted, "Sara"- when she went into assisted living last June. Grandma kept him in a plastic storage box and fed him Romaine for over 40 years. I researched turtle set up's and have him in a tank w/ enough water to submerge if he wishes and a ramped up basking area with a heat lamp and a flouresent.

My question is- he has always willingly hibernated at Grandma's under very primitive conditions. He stopped eating around Nov. and has not started yet (maybe a few nibbles last month.) I've tried Kale, Romaine, Boston. Could he still be hibernating?? He basks a lot, and isn't active but doesn't look sick. Not going in the water much- I don't see any oozing or bubble blowing....eyes are a little swollen in the morning (who's aren't?) -but then seem to be fine shortly after waking when I turn the lights on. Any advice? I have appt. next week w/ an exotic vet-but it's a long trip probably 45 min.- and I'm not even sure how to transport him there....Help!

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