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Hi, my horsefield tortoise usually just roams round the house and was beginning to hibernate but has woken up and started to walk today. I'm worried the house is too cold and that he hasn't ate for weeks yet is wondering around, surely using energy he doesn't quite have? What do you recommend?

Hi, my horsefield tortoise usually just roams round the house and was beginning to hibernate but has woken up and started to walk today. I'm worried the house is too cold and that he hasn't ate for weeks yet is wondering around, surely using energy he doesn't quite have? What do you recommend?

Updated On November 13th, 2017

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Male | unneutered

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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As long as the house is between 68 F and 80 F, Mikey should be fine. As a reptile, he does need a basking area to warm up and UVB lighting. Nighttime temps can drop to 60-65 F. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and provide hydration. If he is kept indoors year round at constant temperature s, he does not "need" to hibernate.

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