Spring seems to have sprung and tortoises should be waking from hibernation. This is a common time to see health problems as hibernation can place quite a drain on the body. Tortoises should be active, eating, drinking and have passed urine within one week of waking up. Daily bathing and providing suitable warm temperature (by using a heat lamp) will help get them awake and eating quickly, but you should contact the surgery if you have any concerns over the health of your tortoise.

Particularly in the recent cold spell, it should be remembered that sub-zero temperatures can harm hibernating tortoises – Ice crystals can damage their sensitive eyes. A thermometer that records minimum and maximum temperatures is very useful for the hibernation box. A separate drinks cooler or fridge make ideal hibernation enclosures, ensuring the temperature is not too low or too high (above 10^oC the tortoise will not be properly hibernating).

Tune into BBC 3 at 22.30 on a Tuesday to catch a glimpse of C. J. Hall Vets at work. We were recently filmed alongside other veterinary practices nationwide for Bizarre Animal ER, a animal-related spin off of medical series Bizarre ER which focuses on strange and funny medical cases. If you don't catch it the first time, it is replayed during the week, as well as being available online.

Please remember we can provide full boarding facilities for our Parrot and Reptile clients! Book early to guarantee your place at busy periods (Christmas, Easter and Summer). Call or email us at the surgery to check availability or for more details. Please note a £20 deposit is required when booking.