Sleepy tortoise not on a fast-food diet

We have acquired a Greek tortoise from an elderly family member. The tortoise recently came out of hibernation and wasn't interested in food, so after a week we took him to the vet. He needed hospitalisation and artificial feeding. Apparently not eating is common after hibernation. Can you advise on how to prevent the problem and where we can get the best information, as we are beginners in tortoise care? It seems so complicated.

- DR DAVID GRANT

The condition your tortoise had is post-hibernation anorexia (failure to eat) and is a very common problem. When tortoises have been optimally hibernated, eating once they wake up should begin fairly soon after, and ideally for Greek tortoises within five days or so. Tortoises that fail to eat are usually dehydrated and can be at risk of kidney disease.

Common underlying problems are an overlong hibernation, incorrect temperature - either too warm at times or too cold, preexisting diseases unmasked by hibernation, inadequate body condition reserves, and failing to provide an optimal environment for rehydration, heating and lighting immediately after hibernation. These are all areas you need to consider in prevention.