Preparing your tortoise for hibernation: Essential steps for a safe winter

Hibernation in land tortoises is a state of deep lethargy combined with a drop in body temperature. The animal no longer produces heat, and its metabolism slows down drastically. It’s a natural process that helps tortoises adapt to environmental changes such as cold weather and food scarcity.

Hibernation usually occurs between early November and mid-February. When properly managed, it contributes to the tortoise’s health, vitality, and longevity.

However, a poorly prepared hibernation can be dangerous - or even fatal.

Contrary to popular belief, keeping a tortoise requires real commitment, especially during the winter months.

Because of climate change, monitoring hibernation has become crucial for garden tortoises.

Health and Hibernation: Don’t force it, Prepare it

Never force your tortoise into hibernation - it must happen naturally and gradually.

The tortoise’s metabolism should slow down at its own pace, with careful preparation and observation from the owner.

A tortoise must never begin hibernation with a full digestive system.

Before the hibernation period, it’s essential to check its overall health.

A tortoise showing any of the following signs should be examined immediately by a veterinarian:

• eye inflammation or nasal discharge,

• wounds or loss of weight,

• lack of energy or unusual behavior.

➡️ A sick or weakened tortoise should never hibernate.

The role of the veterinarian

A pre-hibernation veterinary check-up is an important safety measure. It helps determine whether the tortoise is fit for hibernation through several key steps:

• assessing overall health,

• checking for nutritional deficiencies,

• screening for common but often unnoticed conditions (such as ear abscesses, rhinitis, pneumonia, or internal parasites),

• performing a preventive deworming.

These health issues can weaken the animal and make hibernation risky.

Your veterinarian will provide personalized guidance on how to proceed safely.

Preparing the hibernation environment

🐢 For outdoor tortoises

For tortoises living outside, feeding naturally decreases as the temperature drops.

They gradually bury themselves and adjust their metabolism.

To ensure safety, the hibernation area must be secured.If possible, create a hibernation burrow that meets the following conditions:

• protected from predators (dogs, cats, rodents),

• about 50 cm (20 in) of loose soil to allow digging,

• covered with at least 20 cm (8 in) of dry leaves for insulation,

• sheltered from rain, wind, and frost with a solid cover or small structure.

Starting in mid-October, give your tortoise a daily bath in lukewarm water to encourage hydration and emptying of the digestive tract.

Throughout the winter, monitor the hibernation site regularly to make sure everything is stable.

A veterinary consultation before and during the hibernation period is strongly recommended to anticipate potential risks and ensure proper care.

Special case: The greek tortoise (Testudo graeca)

It’s important to identify your tortoise species. Unlike Testudo hermanni, the Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) does not undergo true hibernation but rather a short resting phase during winter.

Its body is not designed to tolerate deep or prolonged hibernation every year.

That’s why medical supervision is especially important for this species, so that the duration and conditions of rest can be adapted to its specific needs.

Conclusion

When properly prepared and supervised, hibernation is an essential step for your tortoise’s long-term health and well-being 🐢.

👉 For a safe hibernation process, book an appointment with our veterinary team at Vétérinaire du Phoenix – Le Cannet.

To learn more about the end of hibernation and the right steps for a smooth recovery, check out our related article: The End of Hibernation: Helping Your Tortoise Wake Up Safely