Desert Tortoise Hibernation Guidelines

Do Tortoises Hibernate? Here are some pointers to when your desert tortoise start to hibernate:

Desert Tortoises begin to hibernate in late September and October.
As soon as ground temperatures drop to 60 degrees this is appropriate
Your tortoises should be examined by our veterinarians and have bloodwork and an x-ray taken before hibernation
Your tortoise will slow down their activity in late August and September.
Only feed hay/grass no greens after Oct 1
Soak your tortoise daily in a shallow bowl for 10 minutes daily after Oct 1
Once the ground temp reaches 60 degrees (use a kitchen thermometer pushed into the ground) it is time for hibernation.
The temperature must stay between 50-60 degrees.
Check your tortoise weight monthly using a gram scale. It should never lose more than 1% body weight. For a 500-gram tortoise, 5 grams weight loss is a problem
The tortoise should not urinate. If it does, then slowly warm them to room temp and soak in shallow water room temp for 10-15 minutes
If hibernating indoors use an insulated box lined with care fresh, shredded paper or newspaper.
Soak tortoise every 4-6 weeks in room temp water for 10-15 minutes

Hibernation should last 4-6 months.

When the temperatures rise above 65 degrees consistently it is time to have your tortoise come out of hibernation.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (714) 899-1100 to schedule an appointment.