tortoise hibernation

Why do Some Tortoise Hibernate?

Hibernation which is sometimes called Brumation for reptile, is necessary for some
species in the wild in order to survive lower temperatures in the winter. For
this reason your tortoise may not need to hibernate. If it is a desert species
for example it is highly unlikely it will want to hibernate. This is why you
need to understand where in the world your particular species comes from.

Scientist do not as yet totally understand the process of hibernation in
reptiles and much research is still being carried out.
It is clear however that if a species that would naturally hibernate in its
natural habitat is prevented form doing so for a number of seasons its health
does suffer. There is a marked decline in reproductive success and the
chances of kidney and liver disease increases.

For more detailed information on all aspects of tortoise care including how to care for a hibernating tortoise go to www.tortoisetips.com

Tortoise Hibernation and Geographical Location

Generally the species from North America, Europe and some Asian will
hibernate and those from sub-tropical and tropical areas don’t hibernate.

However, there are exceptions to this.

How to Recognize if Your Tortoise Wants to Hibernate?

If you have done some homework on the natural habitat and behavior of
your tortoise you will have some idea if your species will hibernate. Watch
your tortoise when the weather where you live begins to cool and the days
get shorter. If your pet starts to slow down, reduction in appetite and a
greater desire to hide you know to start to prepare for hibernation.

What Species of Tortoise Will Hibernate?

Species that do hibernate

• Bolson tortoise (Gopherus Flavomarginatus)
• Desert tortoise (Gopherus Agassizi)
• Florida gopher tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus)
• Marginated tortoise(Testudo Marginata)
• Russian tortoise (Testudo or Geochelone Horsfieldi)
  Texas tortoise (Gopherus Berlandieri)

Species that may hibernate

• Chaco tortoise (Geochelone or Chelondoidis Chilensis)
• Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo Hermanni)
• North African or Moorish tortoise (Testudo Graeca)
  

Species that normally do not hibernate

• Aldabran tortoise (Geochelone or Aldabrachelys Gigantea)
• Egyptian tortoise (Testudo Kleinmanni)
• Leopard tortoise (Geochelone Pardalis)
• Radiated tortoise (Geochelone Asterochelys Radiata)
• Red-footed tortoise (Geochelone or Chelonoidis Carbonaria)
• Star tortoise (Geochelone Elegans) Sulcata tortoise (Geochelone Sulcata)
• Yellow-footed tortoise (Geochelone or Chelonoidis Denticulata)

As with all tortoise care there may be exceptions to the above but if you
know your tortoise and understand its natural habitat it will give you some
clues as to whether your pet is likely to hibernate.

Occasionally some species will have a mini hibernation in the summer
(estivate). This is usually a shorter period and is due to very hot conditions
in their natural habitat. The Russian tortoise has been known to do this for
example.

Should you allow your tortoise to hibernate?

If you are not sure your tortoise is completely healthy do not let it hibernate.
Any infection or disease present before hibernation will kill your pet whilst
it is hibernating.

Don’t let hatchlings hibernate until they are at least one or two years old.
You can obviously control the environment in which your tortoise lives and
create artificial summertime with extend hours of daylight. This will help to
prevent the tortoise slowing down and wanting to hibernate

How to care for your hibernating tortoise?

If your tortoise appears to be preparing for hibernation you will have to stop
feeding it two weeks before hibernation and just offer water. Soak the
tortoise in lukewarm water. There should not be any undigested food in the
gut to rot during hibernation. Start to reduce the amount of daylight hours
gradually, 10 hours perhaps and longer nights.

Prepare a box with bedding such as fine potting soil or shredded bark. This
should be deep enough for the tortoise to bury itself in it. Place the box in a
cool area of your home where the temperature is cool and does not fluxuate
vastly. It needs to be above freezing but lower that 60 degrees. Check on
your tortoise regularly to see all is well but try not to disturb it too much.

If your tortoise outside make sure you know where they have chosen to dig.
If the temperature has not reduced enough you may have to dig them up and
treat as you would an indoor tortoise. You need to ensure the temperature
does not increase too much so that the tortoise will wake up but not have
food or water, this may be fatal. If it does wake, you will have to keep it
awake by feeding and ensuring the heat is correct in its enclosure.

How to Care for your tortoise - Coming out of Hibernation

In order for your tortoise to wake up as if from a natural winter the
temperature should be a consistent 68 degrees. There should be more
daylight hours increasing from 10 to 12 hours to simulate spring.

Once awake your tortoise needs to soak in clean lukewarm water. Add some
drops of reptile vitamin liquid to the bath. Let it soak for an hour or so every
day for three or four days and provide clean drinking water.

Once re-hydrated offer some food such as red or yellow flowers will spark
its appetite. Add some vitamin/mineral supplement to it diet too.

Check for any symptoms of illness or parasites. Check, eyes, nose, bottom,
shell etc to see all appears okay. If you are unsure take your tortoise to the
vet.

Once your tortoise has fully woken, re-hydrated, eaten and started moving
around it may be ready to breed. This is the most likely time it may try to
escape so be sure you have made its enclosure secure.