Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My little tortise sleeps most of the time. Is he hibernating or is it too early and what info can you give me to understand hibernating. Thank you very much!
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Cheryl

Redfoots do not hibernate.

Linda

As stated, Redfoots do not hibernate. I think that you may have a temperature problem. Although I do not know your set up. My red foots get lethargic if it gets too cold. What is your set up? Temps? UVB? Any specifics that you could give would be greatly appreciated that way we can help you better.

The heat is approx 80-90 and the humidity is high moderate. He is just a baby. When I put him in to soak he wakes up and sits in it for a bit and then he will either eat a bit or mainly just go and go back to sleep. He is getting bigger. This is my first tortoise.
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Cheryl

Does 80-90 refer to the approximate temperature you keep him at, or the heat gradient?

On a day to day basis, 80 is a little low for a young redfoot. An ambient temperature of 85 with about 70-80% humidity would be ideal, if you can create those conditiions. A basking spot at about 95 is about right for a RF, and you want a 10 degree heat gradient.

I'm not saying the temperature is your problem, but an increase in temperature might fix it even if it isnt.

Higer available temperatures to the tortoise (assumed well hydrated) boost appitite, immuno-response, and overall activity levels.

RF and other tropicals are, in my opinion, kept too cold too often, especially as young. Yes, they can tolerate lower temperatures, but they don't thrive...

>>The heat is approx 80-90 and the humidity is high moderate. He is just a baby. When I put him in to soak he wakes up and sits in it for a bit and then he will either eat a bit or mainly just go and go back to sleep. He is getting bigger. This is my first tortoise.
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>>Cheryl

That is what the temp says on the indicater dial I have. I will raise and see what happens. Thank you. He seems healthy and is growing but I feel he sleeps tooooo much. Thank you!
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Cheryl

I should have said explicity that those are my preferences for day-cycle temperatures...

good luck!

>>That is what the temp says on the indicater dial I have. I will raise and see what happens. Thank you. He seems healthy and is growing but I feel he sleeps tooooo much. Thank you!
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>>Cheryl

Cheryl,
I would not trust those little dial thermometers what so ever. They are not accurate. I found that out recently. I took a temp gun, a digital thermometer and one of those dials and tested all of the basking spots for all of my reptiles. The dial would always give one temp and the digital thermometer and gun would give a completely different one. The gun and thermomter were pretty close. I raised a few of the temps and the animals increased activity tremendously. There is a a digital thermometer that large chain pet stores sell. It's roughly $7 or so. For the price and availability it is generally a good deal. It is fairly accurate, far more so than the dials, and cheap.

I think a temperature increase would help just like ScottE said. It can't hurt. My RF's will thermoregulate all day. They will sit under the basking spot for a while and then move around and interact with each other. They definitely need the basking area. What type of UVB lighting do you have? I do not recall you stating that. That is very important as I am sure you know. They will not survive or function well without it.

Oh and by the way I am glad you are seeking help for the little guy. No question is a dumb question, especially if it regarding trying to help an animal.

Aaron P.

I put another basking light in and I have the temp up. He IS more active and he is a eating machine! He gets up on his own and moves around more. Thank you very very much for all your help everyone and I wont be afraid to ask any questions cause you guys and this website is the best!!
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Cheryl

You might want to take in a fecal sample to the vet to check for parasites. It sounds like your setup is pretty good.

Parasites in RFs are very common and it it gets overwhelming it does lead to the behavior you describe. If left unchecked it will get worse.

Keep up the soakings and make sure you have a good temperature range... low of 80 to a high of 100 so the tortoise has the best choice.

>>My little tortise sleeps most of the time. Is he hibernating or is it too early and what info can you give me to understand hibernating. Thank you very much!
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>>Cheryl
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care