Our tortoises are Testudo Hermanni. In their natural habitat, they hibernate during the winter months, a behavior they are instinctively programmed to exhibit. This adaptation allows the tortoise to cope with harsh winter conditions by burrowing into the ground and reducing their metabolic rate to the bare minimum. Their heart rate even decreases to just a few beats per minute, conserving energy throughout the hibernation period.

Tortoises require deep soil for burrowing, utilizing it as insulation. We've observed that our Eastern Hermann's tortoises burrow deeply, while our Western counterparts tend to remain on the surface.

 

Preparing your tortoise for hibernation is a process that ideally begins in the summer. 

1. Start with a worm count to ensure your tortoise is free of parasites well before hibernation. This allows time for treatment and recovery without impacting the hibernation schedule. Worming should only be done if necessary, as it can disrupt the beneficial gut flora and harm the tortoise's health. A tortoise can brumate with a low level of parasites.

2. Monitor the weight regularly. Monthly checks should reveal a gradual increase in weight as the tortoise builds up fat reserves needed for hibernation.

3. As hibernation approaches and food becomes scarce in the wild, a tortoise naturally loses its appetite as temperatures drop. This leads to the emptying of the stomach over several weeks. Continue to offer water and increase bathing frequency to maintain hydration.

Be aware that when temperatures average below 10°C, the tortoise will begin brumation. However, if temperatures rise above this, the tortoise may become active and deplete essential energy reserves.

Always provide water, as a brumating tortoise may awaken to rehydrate. Offer high-fibre foods like pre alpin for those that choose to eat during this period.

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There are three methods to hibernate a tortoise. The first, which we do not recommend, involves placing the tortoise in a box and leaving it in a cold shed, attic, or garage. 

The second method allows the tortoise to hibernate naturally. Instead of a box, we suggest using a pit that is shielded from rain and frost, possibly within a cold frame or greenhouse. It's advisable to have a fail-safe heater to prevent freezing. Tortoises in the wild have been observed waking up to hydrate, so it's more akin to brumation than hibernation. For the fridge method, monitor for any signs of urination, as this can cause dehydration. If using the pit method, ensure a constant supply of fresh water is available. Monitoring your tortoise's weight is crucial; a healthy tortoise should lose minimal weight during hibernation. Many tortoises perish because they are not fully asleep, depleting vital fat reserves and leading to anorexia. This is particularly true with the outdated box method.

The third method is the fridge method, where tortoises are ventilated daily to maintain fresh air, with temperatures kept at 5°C. We recommend using an external thermostat for the fridge to prevent freezing and choosing a fridge without a freezer compartment.

Researchers continue to gather data on naturalistic husbandry methods. Whichever method you choose, it's important to monitor your tortoise closely. Check their weight, look for redness on the plastron, puffiness around the eyes, or nasal discharge. Do not neglect them; be prepared to intervene or wake them if necessary.

Complications:

1. Weight loss - limit to no more than 10% of total body weight before hibernation.

2. Urination - any signs during the fridge method can lead to dehydration and renal failure.

3. Faulty fridges - We recommend using an external thermostat to prevent the fridge from freezing.

4. Rodents - there is a risk of them eating or attacking during brumation.

Overwintering:

For tortoises that are new, sick, underweight, or hatchlings under 40g, overwintering is advisable. This task is challenging because, during winter, the weather cools down, food becomes scarce, and light levels drop. Tortoises are adept at sensing the time of year. The key is to provide ample light and warmth to prevent your tortoise from becoming sluggish and hiding. Adding light and extra warmth will keep your tortoise active throughout the coldest winters. This is why we recommend the Arcadia T5 pro lighting, which is separate from combi bulbs.

This page is being updated: We recommend joining the Tortoise Hibernation Group U.K. - Mediterranean Species on Facebook for further guidance.