Tortoise hibernation | A detailed guide to hibernating your tortoise

Learn which tortoises need to hibernate, and how to do it safely. Learn about the Box and Fridge method of hibernation, the ideal temperature, the age from which you can hibernate your tortoise, and how long for.

[@throughthewoods416]

This is very useful info, thank you. We recently put our little man into hibernation this Sunday for the first time ever and I can honestly say it's been one of the most daunting experiences of my life. He seems to be doing well so far however and with applying the right knowledge everything seems to be well.

[@exoticdirect9325]

Hi Rhys, we're really glad you found the information helpful. We've also got an article you may find useful for when its time to take your tortoise out of hibernation. It's here: www.exoticdirect.co.uk/news/how-care-tortoise-after-hibernation. We hope everything goes well, and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@throughthewoods416]

May I also add some further tips that we've found extremely useful thus far with the fridge method? 1) Use of more than one thermometer to constantly monitor the internal temp of the fridge and the inside of the box the tortoise is hibernating in 2) A hydrogometer to be added to the fridge with trays of water - fridges tend to have dry air and many torts require a humidity of 60% 3) Substrate in the box for the tortoise to dig down into and regulate its own body temperature - sterilised soil will hood more moisture and prevent dehydration as much

[@exoticdirect9325]

Hi Rhys, thanks for your additional feedback. David Alderton advises that additional monitoring is always a good thing. You can also obtain min/max fridge temperature alarms that sound a warning if the temperature moves outside your pre-set parameters. Using these techniques all help to create a safe environment for your tortoise's hibernation. In terms of the use of top-soil - opinions vary on the use of it. For clarification on any aspect of tortoise care, we’d always recommend you speak to your vet.