Herman Tort.

Question
Hi Jeannie, Hope you can help . Mr 3 year old Herman seems to have gone back into hibernation, He woke up the end of January, he was eating well, and gaining weight, lively and I really thought he was doing well. Then in June he started to slow down, loss of appetite. I thought it 'summer rest time' aestivation.  I can bath him he wakes up lively and and after ten minutes or so back to sleep. He's in a vivarium, and everything has been done by the book. He has UV lamps, heat lamps and a heat mat.  I've tried turning heat up turning it down, it makes no difference.  He's bright eyed and has a drink when I bathe him. If I put him outside he walks round his pen , then falls asleep. He looks well no runny eyes or nose, breathing ok. Just sleepy.
Do I let him sleep it off, or do I take him to a vet?

Answer
Hi Judith,

It's definitely not hibernation or estivation.  In the UK, a Hermann's tortoise kept outside really shouldn't estivate--estivation is a response to high heat, low moisture, and low food availability, which isn't likely to happen where you are.  I'm in an area with relatively cool summers (averages in the 80s F), and none of my tortoises estivate.  Indoor, climate is controlled and hibernation/estivation both will only happen if artificially induced.  Normal house temperatures are too warm for hibernation, which should be at temps in the 40-50 degree F range.

The most likely causes of lethargy and lack of appetite are being kept too warm, too cool, too dry (dehydration), or parasites.  I can make a few suggestions for you to try.  First of all, get him out of the viv.  Tortoises don't do well in tanks because it's too difficult to create a proper temperature gradient.  Depending on his size, you can use anything open and airy--a big plastic tub, an old bookcase turned on its back, build a tortoise table, etc.  Just make sure there's plenty of room.  The outdoor pen is ideal for the warmer months.

Second, it sounds like you may be overheating him.  Tortoises need heat from above, so get rid of the heat mats.  I recommend using a combination heat/UVB bulb (like the ZooMed Powersun), but I don't know how available they are in the UK.  If you need to use two separate bulbs, first make sure the basking area (on the substrate directly under the heat lamp) is 90-95 degrees F.  There should also be a cooler area of 70-75 degrees F.  If you're using a tube bulb for UVB (like a Reptisun), it needs to be changed every 6 months, and it should be no more than about 10" from the surface of the substrate.  The farther away it is, the less effective.  If he's getting outside for a few hours a day, you don't need to worry about UVB so much.  No heat is necessary at night unless your house drops below 50 degrees.

Last, you didn't say what kind of substrate you're using, but moisture in the environment is very important.  If your tortoise is only 3 years old, he's still small and can dehydrate very easily.  The heat lamp is very drying, and soaking isn't enough to stave off dehydration.  I use a combination of 50/50 coir and playsand, and keep it slightly damp at all times.

I would try these suggestions first (enclosure, temperatures, substrate/hydration).  If he doesn't improve in about a week or so, you should take him to a vet for an exam and fecal check to rule out parasites.  If you post back with information about his diet, I can help you with that also.  Basically, they should be eating leafy greens and weeds (minimal lettuce), with no fruits, veggies, or pellets.

Let me know how he's doing.  I have a male Hermann's--he was my very first tortoise--and he's a very personable little guy.  I hope yours starts improving soon.   

EDIT:  I forgot something very important, sorry!  You should never hibernate a tortoise that isn't in tip-top shape, or that has been ill in the past year.  So plan to overwinter Rossi this winter.  It's not difficult, and won't harm him in any way.  Just make sure that his basking light stays on long enough to simulate summer days (at least 12 hours, but up to 15 hours or so if necessary), and make sure his temps are right.  Keep me posted!