Hibernation management for captive tortoises is a critical welfare responsibility. Incorrect hibernation conditions cause starvation, dehydration, and death that appropriate preparation prevents.
Incorrect hibernation management causes significant suffering and death in captive tortoises annually. A tortoise that begins hibernation in poor body condition will deplete fat reserves before spring, dying of starvation. One that awakens prematurely finds no food or warmth and may starve or die of hypothermia attempting to maintain activity. Dehydration during hibernation, invisible to the keeper, causes organ failure that manifests only after emergence. These welfare failures are entirely preventable through pre-hibernation health assessment, weight monitoring, appropriate hibernation conditions, and regular checks during the hibernation period. The complexity of correct hibernation management makes veterinary guidance essential for inexperienced keepers.