Monday 21 March 2011

Ned wakes up...!

 Our tortoise Ned had never been hibernated before...so it felt like a big risk (and a little weird) to put him in the fridge!

We suspected he was ready to hibernate when he slowed right down at the end of October (he's normally pretty nifty!) and stopped eating. We had to wait until he had not eaten anything for 2-3 weeks - to ensure that he had no undigested food in his tortoise tummy.

We finally took the plunge in November. Every day since then we've dutifully opened the fridge door for a few seconds each day to make sure he had enough oxygen, and occasionally given the box a little nudge just to check he was alive.

It was crucial to make sure the temperature was exactly right and constant (which is why an empty fridge works so well). We had to make ensure that the workshop temperature didn't change too much either - so a toasty workshop was fully justified!

If all the conditions are right then the tortoise's metabolic rate slows down and he can sleep until the spring. If there's any food in his tummy, or the temperature fluctuates then there's a good chance he'll die during hibernation (very common).

Waking a tortoise up can also be tricky - the sleepy tortoise needs to warm up quite quickly and needs to drink to get rid of any toxins. 

If he hasn't eaten within a week of waking then you're in trouble! I'm pleased to report that Ned woke up really quickly, enjoyed his spa and had a good munch on an apple this afternoon. Think we might just have managed a successful hibernation! (thank goodness)

 





Ned is quite the adventurer (he was stuck on that hoover for about 20 minutes!), really nippy round the kitchen and fascinating to watch....so glad he's back.
fee x

6 comments:

  1. Oh MY GOODNESS my friend...this is sooooo cool! I have never ever heard of this...well I have never had a turtle..this is beyond amazing! I am sooooo happy he is ok and wide awake after his long winter sleep in the fridge...what a good MOM you are! I am really really impressed.Off to call my daughter...she has to read your post!!!! xoxoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
  2. So thats what that was in your fridge....I thought it was your low carb lunch......BLESS him, hes a cutie thats for sure. I'd love a tortoise but with Little Arn around probably not a good idea x x x x x x x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello Ned.
    I had no idea that looking after a tortoise was so difficult. I can vaguely remember Blue Peter having one but didn't know that so many problems can occur.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I adore this post! Mostly because Ned is just too cute! I read this three times and was so tickled by it I had to turn the laptop on and drag it downstairs so my husband could read it! We both got a good laugh. Congrats on your successful hibernation - and that last picture of Ned is AWESOME!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. OMG! How very fascinating! I have never seen or heard of this...I am liking it. Man, my kids would get a serious kick out of doing this. I would have been so nervous as well...worrying about food in his belly and such. So glad he survived!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Do you need Personal Loan?
    Business Cash Loan?
    Unsecured Loan
    Fast and Simple Loan?
    Quick Application Process?
    Approvals within 8-10 Hours?
    Funding in less than 1 day?
    Get unsecured working capital?
    Contact Us At: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com

    LOAN SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE:
    ================================
    *Commercial Loans.
    *Personal Loans.
    *Business Loans.
    *Investments Loans.
    *Development Loans.
    *Acquisition Loans .
    *Construction loans.
    *Credit Card Clearance Loan
    *Debt Consolidation Loan
    *Business Loans And many More:

    LOAN APPLICATION FORM:
    =================
    Full Name:................
    Loan Amount Needed:.
    Purpose of loan:.......
    Loan Duration:..
    Gender:.............
    Marital status:....
    Location:..........
    Home Address:..
    City:............
    Country:......
    Phone:..........
    Mobile / Cell:....
    Occupation:......
    Monthly Income:....Contact Us At: standardonlineinvestment@gmail.com
    Thanks and look forward to your prompt reply.
    Regards,
    Muqse

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by.
I LOVE reading your comments!
fee x