Hibernating Tortoises: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners 

If you own a tortoise, you may have heard the term hibernation (or brumation, as it’s sometimes called in reptiles). Hibernation is a natural survival strategy for many tortoise species during the colder months, but it’s not something to take lightly. At Roxy’s Pet Shop, we want to help you understand how to safely prepare your tortoise for hibernation and what to expect.

Hibernation is a period of dormancy that tortoises enter when temperatures drop. During this time, their metabolism slows down, they eat very little or not at all, and they sleep for extended periods. This helps them conserve energy when food is scarce and temperatures are too low for normal activity.

Mediterranean tortoise species are natural hibernators, including:

• Hermann’s Tortoise
   
• Marginated Tortoise
   
• Greek Tortoise
   
• Russian Tortoise (sometimes hibernate, depending on climate)
   

These species benefit from hibernation if properly prepared, but it must be done carefully to avoid health risks.

Some tropical tortoise species do not hibernate because they come from regions where temperatures remain warm year-round. These species need constant warmth and light throughout the year and should never be put into hibernation:

• Red-Footed Tortoise
   
• Yellow-Footed Tortoise
   
• Sulcata Tortoise (African Spurred Tortoise)
   
• Leopard Tortoise
   
• Star Tortoise
   

Trying to hibernate tropical tortoises can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

Hibernation is only suitable for juvenile and adult tortoises that are healthy and at an appropriate weight. Very young tortoises (usually under 2–3 years old, depending on species) should not hibernate, because they are still growing and may not have enough fat reserves to survive safely.

Before allowing a tortoise to hibernate, ensure it:

• Has reached a safe age for its species
   
• Is healthy, active, and free from illness
   
• Has reached an appropriate hibernation weight
   

If your tortoise is too young or underweight, it should remain active year-round with proper warmth and feeding.

Before hibernation, tortoises go through a preparation phase called pre-hibernation. Signs include:

• Reduced appetite
   
• Increased sleep
   
• Slow movements
   
• Digging behavior
   

During this period, it’s crucial to ensure your tortoise is healthy, at an appropriate weight, and free from illness or parasites. Only a healthy tortoise should be considered for hibernation.

1. Health Check: Take your tortoise to a reptile vet for a pre-hibernation check.
    
2. Fasting: Stop feeding 2–3 weeks before hibernation to ensure the digestive system is empty.
    
3. Weight Check: A healthy hibernation weight is species-dependent.
    
4. Hydration: Soak your tortoise in lukewarm water daily for a week before hibernation.
    
5. Suitable Environment: Use a safe, insulated hibernation box or a cool, frost-free area. Temperature should ideally remain between 2–8°C (36–46°F).
    

Once in hibernation, tortoises may breathe slowly and appear unresponsive. This is normal. Check your tortoise every week or two to ensure:

• It hasn’t dried out
   
• It hasn’t become too cold
   
• No signs of illness or disturbance
   

Never wake a hibernating tortoise unnecessarily—it can be very stressful and harmful.

As temperatures rise, tortoises will naturally wake. Gradually increase their exposure to warmer temperatures and offer small amounts of water. Food can be reintroduced slowly once they start becoming more active.

• Not all tortoises need hibernation—research your species.
   
• Only healthy, appropriately prepared tortoises should hibernate.
   
• Young tortoises (under 2–3 years) should not hibernate.
   
• Tropical tortoises should never hibernate.
   
• Maintain careful monitoring throughout the dormancy period.
   

Hibernation is a natural process that can help your tortoise thrive long-term, but it requires planning and care. At Roxy’s Pet Shop, we stock everything you need to safely prepare your tortoise for hibernation—from vet-recommended diets to hydration and hibernation supplies.

For expert advice, or if you’re unsure whether your tortoise should hibernate this year, pop into Roxy’s Pet Shop or give us a call—we’re here to help your shelled friend stay healthy and happy!