Tortoise Hibernation Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Tortoise hibernation management is a critical welfare skill for owners of Mediterranean tortoise species. Incorrect hibernation causes serious illness or death.

Key Facts

Mediterranean tortoises including Horsfield, Hermann, and Spur-thighed species require annual hibernation
Healthy tortoises lose approximately 1% of their body weight per month during hibernation
Pre-hibernation health checks assess weight, hydration, and parasite burden
Hibernation boxes must be frost-free but cool, ideally between 2-10 degrees Celsius
Tortoises hibernated underweight or while carrying infections risk fatal deterioration

Welfare Considerations

Tortoises hibernated without appropriate health assessment or in incorrect conditions face serious welfare risks including death from dehydration, infection progression, or freezing. Many tortoise deaths in captivity occur during hibernation due to incorrect temperature, inadequate pre-hibernation weight, or undetected illness. Owners must weigh tortoises regularly during hibernation, maintain correct temperatures, and seek immediate veterinary attention if tortoises wake prematurely or show abnormal discharge. Post-hibernation health checks identify problems requiring treatment.

What You Can Do

Assess weight and health condition before hibernating any tortoise
Weigh tortoises monthly during hibernation and investigate greater than 1% monthly weight loss
Maintain hibernation box temperature between 2-10 degrees Celsius throughout winter
Never hibernate a tortoise that is underweight, dehydrated, or unwell
Consult a reptile veterinarian about hibernation management before the first hibernation season