How safe hibernation management for temperate tortoise species prevents the death of otherwise healthy animals during winter.
Tortoise hibernation management is a welfare area where owner knowledge and preparation are the primary determinants of whether hibernation is safe or dangerous. Healthy tortoises managed correctly through hibernation experience normal winter dormancy without welfare compromise. Poorly prepared tortoises - underweight, diseased, or hibernated at incorrect temperatures - may suffer and die from conditions that appropriate preparation would have prevented. The welfare responsibility lies primarily with owners acquiring adequate knowledge before a tortoise's first hibernation and maintaining appropriate practices each year. Access to veterinary care from a reptile specialist experienced with tortoise hibernation is an important welfare resource.