Tortoises, like many other animals, undergo hibernation during the colder months. However, not all tortoise species hibernate. If you’re a first-time tortoise owner, it’s important to check your tortoise’s species to determine if it needs to hibernate.
Proper preparation before hibernation is crucial. Here at Kapidolo Farms, we offer supplies, food, and diet items for tortoises. In this blog post, we’ll share how to prepare a tortoise for hibernation. If you find this information helpful, keep reading to learn more.
Do Tortoises Hibernate?
Not all tortoise species hibernate. You should check your tortoise’s species to see if it will hibernate during the winter months. Mediterranean tortoises, accustomed to warmer climates, will hibernate in cooler winter weather. Examples of Mediterranean tortoises include:
- Hermann’s tortoise
- Horsfield’s tortoise (also known as the Russian tortoise)
- Marginated tortoise
- Spur-thighed tortoise
Desert tortoises can also hibernate. If you’re unsure of your tortoise’s species, consult a tortoise expert or a trusted vet.
Preparing Your Tortoise for Hibernation
Before hibernation, you should weigh your tortoise. If it isn’t healthy enough by the end of August, it won’t be ready to hibernate during winter. Ensure your tortoise has gained enough weight to stay nourished throughout the winter. Without sufficient fat reserves, a tortoise can die from dehydration and starvation during hibernation. Begin monitoring your tortoise’s weight at the start of August.
Monitor your tortoise’s eating patterns. As late summer temperatures drop, with less intense sun and shorter days, your tortoise may start eating less, which can lead to weight issues. This period is known as the hibernation induction period. To prevent early hibernation, provide warmth to replicate their natural environment and extend their active season.
If you live in an area with shorter summers, your tortoise may slow down earlier. Adjust the warmth and heat accordingly. By the end of September, it may be too late to correct any weight issues, so you should consider overwintering your tortoise instead of allowing it to hibernate, as it might not survive hibernation.
Have your tortoise checked by a vet to ensure it doesn’t have any health problems before hibernation. If you have an indoor tortoise, it may start to hibernate from September or October until mid-April or May, especially when outside temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. During fall and spring, nighttime temperatures often drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Do During Winter
During winter, tortoises hibernate. Since the ground freezes, it’s too cold for them to stay outdoors. Place your tortoise indoors where the temperature is maintained between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. Use a sturdy wooden or plastic storage bin that’s big enough for your tortoise to move but not climb out of.
Ensure there’s air circulation and keep the cover loose. A sturdy cardboard box can also be used. A box with a low ceiling mimics a good burrow and helps prevent moisture loss. Line the bottom of the box with folded newspaper.
Do not allow a sick tortoise to hibernate. Keep it awake and provide any necessary treatment until it recovers. A few weeks before hibernation and before fall arrives, soak your tortoise in lukewarm water to keep it hydrated.
Your tortoise may begin hibernation in its burrow, coming out less often. If it doesn’t emerge during the day for a week, it may be hibernating. Check the weather daily. Inspect the burrow and gently check on your tortoise; it should maintain a cool temperature. You can place the tortoise inside a box and keep it safe indoors where it won’t be disturbed.
Throughout winter, monitor the temperature daily. Soak your tortoise in lukewarm water several times before and after hibernation to keep it hydrated.
What to Do During Spring
When spring arrives (mid-April to May), outdoor temperatures can reach 70–75 degrees Fahrenheit. Move your tortoise to an area with temperatures around 55–60 degrees Fahrenheit. When it starts to become active, you can take it outside on nice days when daytime temperatures reach 70–75 degrees Fahrenheit. Always check the weather and be cautious of sudden temperature drops.
You can leave the tortoise in its burrow if nighttime temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the burrow at night with a blanket to preserve heat, and consider installing a thermometer to monitor the temperature. If it gets too cold, drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or is windy, bring the tortoise indoors. On warm days, give your tortoise a lukewarm water soak.
Fasting Period Before Hibernation
Before hibernation, your tortoise must undergo a fasting period lasting between two and six weeks, depending on its size. During this time, the tortoise should not eat anything but should be allowed to drink by soaking once a day in a shallow pool of water.
Keep the tortoise at a controlled temperature of around 53 degrees Fahrenheit for three weeks after its last meal to allow it to digest any remaining food. Undigested food can decay in the stomach during hibernation, causing asphyxiation or bacterial infection.
Fridge Method
Some tortoise owners use a dedicated fridge to hibernate their tortoises. However, it should not be the same fridge you use for food. To hibernate your tortoise in a fridge:
- Use a box slightly larger than the tortoise, made of cardboard, plastic, or wood. Plastic is ideal for species that need a moist environment.
- Fill the box with a substrate like sterilized soil, and make holes around the box for airflow.
- The substrate should be deep enough for the tortoise to bury itself. Maintain the box temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not let it rise above 50 degrees, as this can cause the tortoise to use up its energy reserves. If the temperature falls below 40 degrees, the tortoise may become sick or die.
Preparing for Your Tortoise’s Hibernation Needs
Are you a new tortoise owner? Did you know that some tortoise species need to hibernate? It’s important to prepare your tortoise properly for hibernation. Purchase supplies, food, and diet items from a reliable shop like Kapidolo Farms.
We offer and ship products across the USA. If you have questions about our products, please contact us at 215-483-7675 or email us at kapidolofarms@gmail.com. Choose Kapidolo Farms for all your pet tortoise’s supplies, food, and dietary needs. What are you waiting for? Contact us today!
