Hibernation of pet tortoises requires careful preparation, weight monitoring, and temperature management to avoid the welfare risks of inadequate fat reserves, dehydration, and disease during dormancy.
Tortoise hibernation poorly managed causes significant welfare harm and death. The welfare risks include fat exhaustion from insufficient reserves, dehydration from inadequate pre-hibernation hydration, respiratory infection from hibernating sick animals, and metabolic damage from incorrect temperatures. These risks are entirely preventable with appropriate husbandry. Tortoises with low Jackson ratio values face a welfare dilemma - hibernation at insufficient weight causes starvation risk but preventing hibernation requires heated winter accommodation that many owners cannot provide. Veterinary guidance on individual tortoise hibernation readiness is essential welfare support.