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Autumn marks the start of ‘snooze time’ for tortoises – when most begin their annual hibernation. Leading veterinary charity, PDSA, has produced a step by step guide to hibernation so owners can ensure their tortoises sleep soundly.
When?
Tortoises usually begin hibernating in October or November, when the days become shorter and the temperature drops.
How long?
On average tortoises sleep for around 10-12 weeks, although every tortoise is different. They should never be allowed to hibernate for longer than 20 weeks.
Before hibernation
To prepare your tortoise for hibernation, you should take them to your vet to check they are healthy. If possible, choose a vet who has a special interest in reptiles.
As the temperature begins to drop, tortoises will begin to eat less and slow down; these are signs that they are getting ready to hibernate. A four-to-six week period without food is essential before hibernation to make sure the digestive system contains no undigested food. Tortoises should never be put into hibernation if they have eaten within this period as undigested food can rot and cause a potentially fatal build up of gas. They should, however, be encouraged to drink before hibernation to ensure they don’t become dehydrated.
Where?
You will need two boxes for hibernation – a large box and a smaller one that fits inside the first. Your tortoise should be placed in the smaller box and surrounded by shredded paper.
The smaller box should then be placed inside the large box, which needs to be insulated with polystyrene blocks or chippings, or shredded paper.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for a hibernating tortoise is 5°C. The temperature should remain stable and mustn’t get lower than 0°C or higher than 10°C for any extended period. Insulating the hibernation box helps stabilise the temperature, and a thermometer (preferably digital) should be placed on top so that the temperature can be monitored.
The box should be kept in a dry, draught-free room or brick built garden shed - never in a garage where a car is kept because of the danger from exhaust fumes. Always make sure the box is protected against predators and that the temperatures are within the safety margins (0 - 10°C).
During hibernation
During hibernation you should check the box temperature everyday, and more regularly during extremely cold weather.
You should also weigh and check your tortoise regularly. Hibernating tortoises can be handled and checked quite safely, and regular checks can be a lifesaver. If there is any obvious skin or shell disease, or if your tortoise has passed urine, hibernation must be stopped. A tortoise can safely lose about 1 per cent of its body weight for each month of hibernation. But if there is a sudden weight loss, it can mean there is a problem and the tortoise should be woken up and checked over by your vet.
The end of hibernation
As the temperature starts to reach 10°C your tortoise should begin to wake naturally. As the weather gets warmer, you should start to hear the first signs of movement in the hibernation box. At this point, the box should be moved into a warm room, near a radiator, and allowed to warm gradually. After two to three hours, the tortoise should be removed from the box and placed in a warm, bright room. If your tortoise hasn’t woken up naturally by 20 weeks, you can move the box in to a warm room to help the waking process.
After one to two hours your tortoise should be fully awake, at which point they should be placed in a large container containing about 2.5cm (1 inch) of lukewarm water. This will enable them to start drinking, re-hydrate and get rid of all the toxins in their system.
Drinking is far more important than feeding at this stage. They should begin to feed within a week of waking up. If they don’t, you should seek advice from your vet immediately.
Remember to book a post-hibernation health check for your tortoise with your vet as soon as you can.
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