Tips to help your tortoise hibernate safely

Tips on how to help your tortoise hibernate

Hibernation is a natural and important part of many tortoises’ lives, giving them the chance to rest and conserve energy during the colder months. But in the safety of your care, their survival depends on more than instinct alone.

By preparing their environment, monitoring their health, and following the right steps, you can turn hibernation into a safe, healthy, and stress-free experience that supports their well-being year after year.
 

Jump to:

• Do all tortoises hibernate?
• Health checks before hibernation
• Fasting before hibernation
• Where should my tortoise hibernate?
• Monitoring during hibernation
• How long should hibernation last?
• Waking your tortoise
• What if my tortoise won’t eat?
• Get a quote for tortoise insurance

Do all tortoises hibernate?

No, only certain tortoise species hibernate. Popular Mediterranean tortoises like Hermann’s, Spur-thighed, and Horsfield’s usually do, while tropical tortoises such as Leopard and Red-footed do not.

If you’re unsure about your tortoise’s species, speak to an exotic pet vet before attempting hibernation. You can also explore tortoise insurance options that cover vet fees for exotic species.

Health checks before hibernation

Before beginning hibernation, it’s essential to identify your tortoise’s species and understand whether hibernation is appropriate.

Only healthy tortoises should hibernate. In the weeks leading up to hibernation, examine your tortoise for the following:

• Eyes – free from inflammation or discharge
• Nose – no nasal discharge
• Ears – no abscesses or swelling
• Mouth – no signs of mouth rot
• Shell – no cracks, unusual smells, or fluid under the shell
• Tail – no swelling or signs of infection
• Legs – no lumps or abscesses

Weigh your tortoise before hibernation. Weight loss of more than 1% during hibernation can be a sign of trouble.

It is highly recommended that you schedule a pre-hibernation vet check for your tortoise.

Fasting before hibernation

Fasting clears the tortoise’s digestive system, preventing undigested food from rotting in the stomach during hibernation.
 

• Small tortoises: stop feeding 2–3 weeks before hibernation
• Larger tortoises: stop feeding 3–4 weeks before

While fasting, keep the tortoise’s temperature warm, above 13°C, to help complete digestion, and make sure fresh water is available until hibernation starts. Once they stop moving around and settle into their bedding, they’re likely ready to begin hibernation.

Where should my tortoise hibernate?

Here are two main methods used by tortoise owners:

Box hibernation (Garage/Shed)

If you’ve got a cool, quiet space like a garage or shed, the box method is a simple way to help your tortoise hibernate.

• Place your tortoise in a secure, well-ventilated box with comfortable bedding like soil, shredded paper, or hay (avoid using dusty straw).
• Keep the temperature between 3 °C and 8 °C.
• Use a thermometer to check the temperature regularly.

Fridge hibernation

The fridge method might sound unusual, but it’s actually one of the safest ways to control the temperature.

• Use a dedicated fridge for hibernation; do not use your food fridge.
• Place your tortoise in a ventilated plastic container filled with a soil and sand mix.
• Keep the temperature between 4 °C and 6 °C, checking it every day.
• Avoid placing the container near cooling elements or pipes.
• Open the fridge every few days to release built-up CO₂.
• Add sealed water bottles to help maintain an even temperature.

Important: Power cuts can affect fridge temperature, so monitor closely and have a backup plan.

Monitoring during hibernation

As temperatures drop and days shorten, your tortoise will naturally slow down, eat less, and eventually stop feeding. This is a normal part of the hibernation cycle.

If this happens too early or your tortoise isn’t in good condition, keep providing UV light and warmth until it’s the right time to hibernate.

During hibernation:

• Keep temperature between 3°C and 8°C (ideally 5°C)
• Check temperatures regularly
• Weigh every 2–3 weeks (more than 1% loss is a warning sign)
• Look out for urination, which may indicate problems

If you notice weight loss of over 1% or urination, contact a reptile vet immediately and wake your tortoise.

How long should hibernation last?

This depends on your tortoise’s age and size, but general guidance is:
 
Minimum: 6 weeks
Maximum: 12 weeks

After this time, you’ll need to slowly bring your tortoise out of hibernation.

Waking your tortoise

To gently wake your tortoise:

1. Move the box to a warm room
2. After a few hours, place under a basking lamp (25°C+)
3. Offer a shallow lukewarm bath to rehydrate

Most tortoises will eat within a few days. If not, contact a vet. Encourage hydration with shallow baths until drinking resumes.

Encourage hydration by placing your tortoise in a shallow bath of lukewarm water, just deep enough to reach it’s chin. Drip water gently onto their shell and face to prompt drinking.

Once they’re active again, be mindful of seasonal changes, especially heat. See our guide on keeping your tortoise safe in hot weather.

What if my tortoise won’t eat?

If your tortoise hasn’t eaten within a week of waking or seems unwell, see a reptile vet immediately.

Get a quote for tortoise insurance

We offer cover for exotic pets, including vet fees and issues from hibernation (when veterinary guidance has been followed).